iSLAS GARDEN MAKEOVER

With the help of Community Wishes, countless volunteers & a whole lot of community spirit we were able to transform a garden for Isla & her sister Paige. 

Stacey, Isla & Paige’s mum, began working on the garden but soon realised she couldn’t do it all by herself. She requested help with the grass but it wasn’t turning out the way she wanted to make it safe for her girls to play in. All she wanted was a garden that her children could enjoy safely. 

Our goal was to create a garden that was not only safe but also a unique & special space for them to enjoy & play in. Isla was born with mandibuloacral dysplasia a very rare medical condition, that affects her bone & muscle growth. She is the only known person in the world with this specific genetic mutation making her future uncertain. Despite the daily challenges she faces – constant pain in her hips & knees, difficulty with mobility, & the need for a tracheotomy, she is always smiling, even when life feels overwhelming. Isla continues to be a shining example of positivity. We wanted to turn Isla’s garden into a space where she can safely play, relax & enjoy time with her family.

Volunteers have dug out the garden’s patio area & resurfaced it. Steps were added, fences were painted with Isla deciding what colours were used, artificial grass was laid, raised beds were added so Isla & her sister can grow their own flowers.

A large shed at the back of the garden was transformed into a safe space complete with a new floor, lights, decorations, a beautiful mural, bean bags, TV, a sofa, plus much more. The shed’s roof was completely redone, giving it a full makeover to ensure it was safe. The block paving was completed with some assistance from Isla. 

Double gates were also added to give the garden a refreshed look. Decretive stone was added to the front & back of the garden & a wooden shed was also installed. 

On the day of the reveal, all volunteers were invited to watch Isla & Paige cut the ribbon & unveil their new garden along with the newly transformed shed.

What was once an unsafe garden has been transformed into a dream space where the girls can now safely play & enjoy themselves.