The Supershoes, Laced With Hope Garden, a partnership with Frosts

Did you know...

• Tiny hand-painted trainers were placed on the curved iroko bench to portray how young some children are when they're diagnosed with cancer
• Hundreds of artists give their time to the charity for free to hand-paint trainers for young patients, decorating them with some of their favourite things
• The vibrant wall painting and planting were featured because children are drawn to colour, says designer Laura, and because it lifts the spirits

About the garden

Laced with Hope told the story of a child’s journey following a diagnosis of cancer, and the work the charity Supershoes does to empower that child in their fight. The use of art to frame the garden represented the way the charity uses art on shoes to inspire sick children. Sculptures were included in the garden to represent children and their families. The lace sculpture extended up, over and through the plants, binding all elements together, with the bench providing a place for friends and support staff to sit and reflect.

The colour gold represents childhood cancer and is used in the lace sculpture, while other bright colours and large flowers in the planting, including mixed perennials and roses, provide a psychological boost in stressful times. The inlaid paving is inscribed with words defining a new language for families fighting cancer, and reflecting the mixture of emotions and challenges with the unfamiliar and frightening.