Life can be grim if patients are confined to bed permanently while undergoing treatment in hospital.

But for those in two wards at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, there was a bonus – if they were fit enough, they could enjoy the world outside.

What’s more, they had two comfortable garden seats to relax in, thanks to hospital staff and their supporters.

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The hospital porters’ social club had organised a series of events to raise money and provide the seats and other extras for patients, relatives and friends.

Ward sisters Jean Wile, left, and Mavis Le Tendre are pictured above trying out the seats, as other hospital staff look on.

What’s more, they decided that the occasion merited a little celebration, with everyone enjoying a tasty glass of what looks like wine.

The two seats had been bought by the social club with donations from members at the John Radcliffe, Cowley Road and Churchill Hospitals.

Club chairman Ronald Tinson said they had raised £46 at a Christmas raffle and with other money, they had decided to buy the chairs.

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He handed them to Peter Hill, the hospital’s assistant administrator, and as you can see, it wasn’t long before they had their first occupants.

There was no doubt where the gifts had come from – attached to them were metal tabs saying ‘Presented by Churchill Hospital Porters’ Social Club’.

A hospital was first built on the Churchill site in 1940 by the Ministry of Health.

It was officially opened as the Churchill Hospital by the Duchess of Kent on 27 January 1942.

In 1994 the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust was formed, formally linking the John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospitals.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.