Nine-year-old cancer survivor Lewis Houghton opened the new garden for young cancer patients at The Royal Marsden.

Lewis, who was diagnosed with stage four Burkitt’s Lymphoma, has been in remission for three years.

He cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the new garden at The Royal Marsden in Sutton which will provide respite from the wards for patients and their families.

The new outdoor space designed by Hemingway Designs will feature a cinema screen, exercise equipment, an interactive game and hanging hammock pods.

Jenny Houghton, Lewis’s mother, said: “Time away from the constant beeping machines and a moment to breathe is such an essential tool in coping.

“I know this will make a difference for children and their families undergoing treatment.”

Carly Snowball, clinical nurse director for children and young people’s cancer services, said: “We are extremely proud of the facilities we can offer as we recognise that it is a particularly difficult time, not only for young patients but also for their families

“It’s really important that in addition to our clinical responsibilities we look at the holistic needs of families.

The outdoor space was funded through donations from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, PANDORA UK and Emily Ash Trust.