Comic legend Ken Dodd has launched a scheme to plant an "NHS Forest"
Armed with a spade and his tickling stick the King of Mirth planted the first of 1.3million saplings in a ceremony at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool
Doddy, 81, said: "The secret of happiness is to plant a seed and watch it grow."
"I has been scientifically proved that a tree can make you smile and feel better.
"If we plant more than a million trees imagine how much good that will do and seeing a smile break out on a sick child's face is one of the most plumtious things in this world.
"So there is no more fitting place to start this NHS forest than in Liverpool - the World Capital of Laughter. Even here in Knotty Ash there aren't enough trees.
"I don't know why they asked me to plant this tree. I supposed it's because I'm a nut... an acorn... I mean an icon!"
And the Squire of Knotty Ash revealed that he indulges a passion for gardening in the one-acre plot at his home in Thomas Lane.
He said: "I have a 'showbiz garden'. I've got varieties of roses called 'Prince Charming' and 'Snow White' and even one called 'Jimmy Saville'.
"I've also got some very hardy, laurel bushes!"
Alder Hey Hospital is working closely with the Forestry Commission to create parkland at new #288m hospital in what will become Europe’s first Children’s Health Park.
The scheme is currently undergoing assessment prior to submission for the go-ahead from the Department of Health.
It has been calculated that because of its size, the NHS is one of the biggest resource users and carbon generators in the UK.
When it starts to reach maturity in 20 years time, the forest will reduce the NHS carbon footprint by 10 per cent.
The forest project will see trees, bushes and flowers on every NHS campus, benefitting patients and staff.
Patients, relatives and staff will be encouraged to participate in the project by having trees planted as a thank you to the NHS.
The Campaign for Greener healthcare is working with the Forestry Commission, the Woodland Trust, Natural England, the Sustainable Development Unit and others to develop the NHS Forest.
It will lead to partnerships between the NHS and others to identify areas where trees and woodlands can be created in or close to NHS sites and be adopted as part of the new forest.
Louise Shepherd, Chief Executive of Alder Hey NHS Foundation Trust said: "We realised a long time ago at Alder Hey that green areas and a parkland environment are crucial as part of the recovery process for children.
"That is why our ambitious plan for a new Alder Hey will see the hospital in the middle of a public park where our young patients will be able to play and enjoy open space.
"The NHS Forest is a fantastic opportunity to create trees and natural environments around our hospitals. I am sure it will capture the imagination of the general public."
john ilett, Liphook around 2 years, 6 months ago