Magical garden room gives Alexander new lease of life

A purpose-built garden room has transformed a profoundly disabled Cheshire man’s daily life.

The bespoke hideaway – built by Rubicon Garden Rooms – has become a sanctuary for 32-year-old Alexander Ratnaike, who was starved of oxygen at birth.

Alexander, from Little Neston, has never been able to walk, talk or feed himself, communicating through blinks with loved ones and carers.

His parents, Debi and Nimal, have spent decades reshaping their home  and garden to ensure he enjoys the fullest life possible.

Their latest addition is a custom-designed room built especially for Alexander – a project they say has brought “joy, comfort and independence” thanks to the team at Rubicon Garden Rooms.

Helping Alexander, and hearing about his health challenges, touched the hearts of the staff at the firm, which is based at Penyffordd near the Cheshire/Welsh border, who said it was a privilege to play a role in bringing additional joy to his everyday life.

The new space allows Alexander and his carers to enjoy doing crafts, listen to music and to look out to the large garden.

The garden not only has a wheelchair-friendly winding path, sculptures, treehouse and duck pond, but is also home to the family’s collection of chickens and their pet pig Kojak.

The garden is also enjoyed by the family’s seven dogs who have Harry Potter-related names such as Harry, Ron and Myrtle.

Alexander’s dad Nimal, a retired GP, explained the family are Harry Potter enthusiasts so gave the new garden room a boy wizard theme.

It is kitted out with Harry Potter decorations, memorabilia and models and has a film projector to allow Alexander, who requires round-the-clock care, to enjoy the magic of the hit movies.

Dr Ratnaike, who retired five years ago having practised on the Wirral, West Cheshire and at Queensferry Medical Centre, said having the garden room installed further enhanced Alexander’s life.

He said his son, who has two carers 24/7, had faced many health challenges in his life, and like all parents, he and Debi wanted to provide everything he needed - both in their home and out in the garden.

Rubicon Garden Rooms founder and managing director John Lyon said the company’s team was thrilled to play a part in providing something special for Alexander.

He said:

“For me, it boils down to making a difference to people’s lives - that’s what gives me the kick.

“It is not just about being in business, it is about contributing in some way.

“We have done buildings for disabled people before and it’s always great to see how they are using it, the enjoyment they get from it and the benefits they are getting from it.

“It is about the fact that the usability of the product is only limited by your imagination, it can be adapted to almost anything.”

Debi, who left her nursing career to look after Alexander when he was born, said she had been highly impressed with Rubicon Garden Rooms.

She said:

“We wanted a garden room just so we can maximise the places Alexander could go and the things he could do.

“We looked up garden rooms companies and with all honesty Rubicon shone out above everyone else.

“They were approachable, explained everything and the procedure was very simplified.

“What they said they would do, they did, what they said they would charge, they charged, there were no hidden extras.

“The fellas came and it was up in no time.

“They were very courteous, very clean and tidy.

“The actual build is amazing, it’s a proper room, it’s heated, it’s insulated, it’s got acoustics, and lovely to look at outside.

“Alexander has so much use out of it, which was the whole purpose, as do the family, the grandchildren - it was more than we expected really.”

According to Dr Ratnaike, the garden room, which has a specially-built ramp and wide glass doors to accommodate Alexander’s wheelchair, also doubles as a playroom for their other son Oscar’s son Reggie and his stepchildren Max and Millie.

Dr Ratnaike said he chose Rubicon Garden Rooms to do the work after being impressed by the style and structure of the buildings they provide.

He added:

“I went to the showroom and I saw the structures they provide, and I liked the steel sub-frames they do.

“They are local too, just across the border, and they have been fabulous.”

Pictured - From left, Dr Nimal Ratnaike, Debi Ratnaike, Rob Lyon and John Lyon from Rubicon Garden Rooms, with Alexander Ratnaike.