New ‘Dilly’s Den’ garden in Royal London Hospital will allow seriously ill children to enjoy the outdoors
Built in memory of leukaemia patient Dillan Ramsey-Aksehir, the Royal London Hospital’s new rooftop garden space will allow seriously ill children to experience fresh air and sunlight
A specially designed rooftop space named ‘Dilly’s Den,’ built in memory of and inspired by leukaemia patient Dillan Ramsey-Aksehir, is now open at The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.
After being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2020, Dillan spent the last four years of his life undergoing treatment for leukaemia at Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Royal London Hospital.
Dillan’s one wish during his final two weeks was to go outside. Because Dillan needed medical support, and there was no accessible outside space in the hospital, it wasn’t possible to grant his wish.
In the summer of 2024, Dillan passed away at age six after a long battle with leukaemia. His mother, Amy, was determined to ensure all young patients of The Royal London Hospital would be able to enjoy the outdoors going forward.
Amy said, ‘My vision for Dilly’s Den came one week after Dillan passed. I returned to the last place I held him and began planning the transformation of the rooftop above the children’s ward into a vibrant, healing, and fun outdoor area that both children and their families could enjoy.
I wish I could have built this for Dillan, but I am so proud that we have for others.’
The rooftop garden was designed by Amy and the hospital’s play team, and includes everything needed to make the space safe and accessible for seriously ill children. There are pathways to enter the garden suitable for wheelchair and hospital beds, as well as power sockets for medical support such as oxygen and medicine drips.
Dilly’s Den also includes a sensory zone for children with special needs, a dedicated fresh air and sunlight space for end-of-life patients, and an indoor mural inspired by Dillan’s favourite toys and nurses. The space will host birthday celebrations, visits from Santa Claus, and other family events.
Katy West and Nina Dickins, Macmillan Paediatric Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists, who cared for Dillan from the beginning of his diagnosis, said, ‘Dilly was the bravest, funniest little boy you could meet. Caring for him was a privilege.
‘His treatment journey was difficult, beginning during a global pandemic, but he always greeted us with a cheeky grin and positivity.
‘Dilly’s Den will bring so much joy to our patients who are bed-bound, and it means families can continue making magical memories, even when in the hospital.’
The project was funded through a GoFundMe campaign, led by Amy and shared through her friends, family and Instagram followers. Barts Charity also contributed to the project.
Celebrities including Michelle Keegan, Mark Wright, and England footballers John Stones and Phil Foden also supported the campaign, with the national team dedicating a match win to Dillan on the day of his passing.
In an announcement video shared on YouTube about the opening of the den, Amy said ‘To Dillan, this is for you, my boy. I hope you can see it, I hope you kow how loved you are.
‘Every child who laughs up here, every parent who gets a moment of peace, every life touched by this space, that’s all because of you.’