A children's hospice in Benfleet, Essex, has been gifted a magical Moana-themed garden, designed and built by popular social media influencers, 'The Green Genie brothers'. Jake and Ethan Thorne, known for their elaborate landscape creations and extensive online following, completed the ambitious project for Little Havens Hospice in a remarkable 12 days, transforming a simple area with swings into an oasis-inspired beach.
The initiative was made possible by funding from the Walt Disney Company UK and Ireland. Louise Bryan, CEO for Havens Hospices, initially mistook the offer from Disney for a prank but quickly embraced the opportunity to provide such a unique space for the children. She highlighted that a project of this scale would have been financially out of reach for the hospice without external support.
The brothers, who typically spend months on their luxury landscape designs, described the reveal as an unforgettable and emotional experience. Jake Thorne shared that witnessing the children's reactions as they entered the new garden was a deeply moving moment for them. Six-year-old Millie, who has been supported by the hospice since 2021 after being diagnosed with Congenital Myopathy, was among the first to explore the garden. She expressed her joy, stating, "I love that I can drive around the garden in my wheelchair."
Little Havens Hospice provides essential care for babies, children, and young people up to the age of 25 who are living with complex or incurable conditions. The hospice relies heavily on public generosity, with 80% of its income derived from donations, all of which directly supports the children's care.
The timing of the garden's opening, shortly before the 10th July release of Disney's new live-action film adaptation of Moana, added an extra layer of excitement for the young residents. The new space is expected to significantly enhance their experience at the hospice, offering a dedicated and imaginative environment for play and relaxation.