There’s a new addition at Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC, in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath. An Outdoor Therapy Room, which sits on a raised platform in the magnificent grounds, adds to the centre’s multi-faceted resources.
Designed by internationally acclaimed landscape architect, Peter Donegan, and fabricated and installed by Limerick-based OMC Technologies, the stunning room is a space for therapy sessions for both adults and children.
Bernie McHugh, Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC manager said: “We are so grateful to Peter and OMC and all the volunteers who have created this wonderful new space for our clients. It’s in use already and is a calm, restful space, grounded in nature, which we are so delighted to have and will make use of for many years to come.”
Psychological and emotional support
Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC has been offering psychological and emotional support to people living with cancer for more than 22 years. The centre provides a homely environment where patients and their families can engage in a number of services and is the only cancer centre in Ireland offering residential retreats.
Donegan, whose designs have featured on RTÉ’s The Big Build, and who has won numerous awards for his work, used Japanese garden design as inspiration for the installation. The red structure draws the eye from one point to another inviting you to sit within it and enjoy the views and the nature that surrounds you.
Donegan said: “Given the beautiful landscape that this room sits in, this structure made total sense. It makes the most of the planting surrounding it and my hope is that it provides an additional peaceful space for the clients of Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC. I would like to pay tribute to the wonderful work that goes on there, and I hope this room helps the team in delivering the vital services they provide.”
Fabricated structure
Pat Whelan of OMC Technologies, whose company fabricated the structure, also runs a charity called Heart to Hand, and it was through this work that he met with the team at Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC and began thinking about a structure that would work in the grounds of the centre. “I have been aware of the work that LARCC do for a number of years now, so I was delighted to work with the team there in bringing Peter’s vision to life.
“It was installed over two weekends with Heart to Hand volunteers. The main frame is structural steelwork which was galvanised and painted red. A structural glass balustrade was installed around the perimeter and a steel roof installed, which will become a sustainable sedum roof garden. An access stairs and lockable access gate completed the structure.
“Working at the centre for the few days gave us a real appreciation of the work done by the team there and we’re delighted to have been able to contribute this beautiful structure as an additional resource for their team and clients.”
Additional landscaping was provided by Maylim and design assistant on the project with Donegan was Elif Öztürk. All labour and materials on this project were kindly donated.
For more see: cancersupport.ie