TWO fundraisers called Ann, two gardens for the sick and infirm and two sets of patients set to benefit.

Widow Ann Bowler and nurse Ann Readhead are working hard to raise much-needed cash for Oxford's Churchill and John Radcliffe Hospitals.

Their biggest dreams are to furnish both Headington hospitals with a green paradise to enhance the care of inpatients and their families.

Mrs Bowler, of Kennington, lost her husband Colin following a 23-year battle against a series of cancers.

As a result, she was one of the first supporters of the £2m campaign for the Oxford Cancer Centre, at the Churchill.

The unit will have three garden courtyards and nine roof terraces for patients and staff.

Seven of the terraces have yet to be sponsored, but Mrs Bowler is urging businesses to donate furniture and planters, and bereaved relatives to sponsor garden items in memory of loved ones.

She said: "We really must provide more outdoor areas where patients and their visitors can enjoy the sunshine.

"Such spaces can help to lift spirits and rally energy even for very ill patients, and this can be critical to their recovery.

"With as little as £250, people will make a difference to so many patients. Just £5 a month can sponsor a planter of flowers."

At the JR, ward sister Mrs Readhead is leading a £200,000 drive to add the finishing touches to the hospital's new £4m geratology department. In August, older patients will move from their current home on Level Seven to the newly refurbished Level Four.

Many of the department's 40 single ensuite rooms will look out on to a £100,000 sensory garden, with bamboos, scented plants and colourful flowers, shaded areas and comfortable seating.

The garden will also be used for therapy and mobility assessment.

Mrs Readhead said: "When you can't go home, it's easy to feel restless or confined. The familiarity of some green space provides a welcome distraction and can be particularly comforting for patients with dementia."

Mrs Readhead said one terminally ill patient left her even more determined to raise money for the garden.

The woman's last wish was to have five minutes outside, so she was helped to the JR's Japanese garden, outside the main entrance.

Mrs Readhead said: "It was a difficult and tiring journey down in the lift from Level Seven. Afterwards the lady cried and said, 'thank you so much, and please don't lose the dream of a garden. Sadly, she died later that day."

To help with either campaign, call Janet Sprake on 01865 743443.