A COMPASSIONATE nurse hoping to create a haven of tranquility with a garden for terminally ill patients is within touching distance of her goal.

Bev Pickett is a firm believer the chance to breathe the fresh air and spend time in nature is a chance worth seizing before it is too late.

In 2016 she unveiled her plans to raise £160,000 to create a time garden at Colchester General Hospital.

After more than a year of overwhelming support, hard work and generosity, Bev and her team are within £30,000 of their target.

Bev, lead cancer nurse at the hospital, said: “We are very much on the final straight.

“We are so near and just need a final push to get us over the finish line. It is absolutely amazing.

“It is lovely to see that much of the money has come from the public voting for us including through Colchester Council’s Big Choice scheme and the Masonic Charitable Foundation.”

The garden will provide an environment for patients and their families to enjoy time outdoors. in a garden setting.

It will make use of an existing courtyard within the hospital and will feature an innovative outdoor unit, including space for a bed and wheelchair.

A team who worked with internationally-renowned garden designer Beth Chatto are set to transform the area.

Bev hopes to hold the grand opening in May, to coincide with Dying Matters awareness week.

She said: “It is about trying to get people to talk about dying.

“We all know it is going to happen and putting plans in place means you can get on with life - even if it is something as simple as getting a will written.

“I will be so chuffed when it’s done as the people who will really benefit are patients and their families.

“After speaking to the next-of-kin of people who have died, many have said this would have been a nice extra, a possibility for those suffering from a terminal illness to feel the fresh air.”