Paul Pruden (Horticultural Manager at Mersey Care NHS Trust) & his Ashworth Hospital Gardening Team have become only the second recipient of the prestigious Mayoral Achievement Award, which is one of Maghull’s highest civic awards and was presented by MTC Mayor Cllr John Sayers.
Mayor John Sayers said, “Paul and his team (Dave, Ian, Neil, Phil) have been immeasurably integral to every project that the Friends of Maghull and District (FOMD) have undertaken and have made the seemingly impossible possible, which is demonstrated in the following very short summary: In 2017/18 they helped to transform a 20 year old grot spot into a wildflower oasis. In 2018/19 they help to create a beautiful eco-education area from an unkempt area of land either side of Stafford Moreton Way which represents one of Maghull’s highest footfall areas.
In 2020 in the midst of the pandemic Parkbourn’s grassed square was not cut by the normal maintenance team and he reversed several months of neglect by cutting the area with his tractor. In 2020/21 Paul and his team who were facing profound personal and professional challenges yet he promised at the beginning of the project that if we were able to raise the £6500 for machinery hire and materials he and his team would create a beautiful, accessible Cotswolds style path. True to his word he returned in March 2021 and spent over a week removing 146 t of soil and seamlessly landscaping it into the rear area of the site including grass seeding. Then using 146 t of building materials constructed the stunning pathway that will provide an accessible community legacy for generations to come”.
Tracey Battison (Head of Estates & Facilities Merseycare NHS Foundation Trust) proudly said, “Paul and his team are very much a valuable asset to the Trust and the grounds he maintain are always impeccable. Paul and his team are always ready to go the extra mile to improve the external environments for patients and staff. This award was very well deserved”.
Dr Frank Sharp (FOMD & nominator) said, “Their work has been an inspiration and provided several community legacies for generations to come. FOMD are a small group of individuals who help to organise and facilitate projects with people who are also friends of Maghull and we think that Paul and his team have represented some of our best friends”. Pictured: Phil, Cllr Yvonne Sayers (Mayor Consort), Ian, Paul, Dave, Neil, Mayor John Sayers