A seriously-ill west Suffolk youngster will be able to enjoy the great outdoors more than ever after his family’s garden was transformed by a charity and local volunteers.

Alex McLauchlan, 12, was all smiles yesterday as workers from WellChild and local NatWest bank branches completely revamped his garden in Lavenham.

The two-day project will eventually see a bird’s nest swing, a planting bed and accessible play area installed in the previously overgrown garden, all to be enjoyed by Alex, mum Susan and her eight-year-old daughter Isabella.

Alex has a chromosomal abnormality and cystic fibrosis, which leaves him with limited communication skills and makes it difficult for him to walk. However, the happy 12-year-old was glued to the patio doors yesterday as he watched his new garden come to life.

Ms McLauchlan hailed the “fantastic” project, adding: “This will be the first garden we’ve had, and Alex especially likes to be outside, playing ball games. It’s something we can all enjoy as a family.

“I am so impressed at how quickly they’ve got stuff done – they’ve really put their backs into it.”

WellChild’s Lee Trunks arrived in Lavenham from Cheltenham yesterday morning and will be overseeing the project’s conclusion today.

“People find it hard to express the words when you hand this stuff over – they’re shell-shocked,” he said.

“We hear stories about children doing all sorts of things they haven’t done before.

“We often find it’s brought so much joy to the child, but also peace to the rest of the family.”

Project manager Mr Trunks was ably assisted by a band of volunteers from NatWest branches including Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge and King’s Lynn.

Ben Adlem, manager of the Bury branch, said: “It’s a very different day at the office and some of us are a little more skilled than others.

“But everyone is learning and doing their best and of course it’s all for a great cause.”