Children’s Ward treatment rooms transformed in memory of Zach
04/11/2025
The new ‘Superhero Suite’ has been officially opened
Two rooms in the Horton General Hospital’s Children’s Ward have been transformed thanks to the generous support of a local family.
The treatment rooms have been given a magical makeover to delight, distract and entertain young patients.
The walls are now filled with fun and imaginative images of superheroes, space stations, city skyscapes, flying animals and even Banbury’s famous Lady on a White Horse.
Stephanie and James Tombling raised the money to pay for the work. Their six-year-old son, Zach, passed away in May last year.
The new ‘Superhero Suite’ was officially opened with a ribbon cutting attended by the Tombling family, staff from the Ward, the design company, and members of the charity team.
James Tombling said: “Zach had Menkes Syndrome, a very rare genetic disorder that leads to severe neurological and developmental issues, so he spent a lot of time in the Horton Children’s Ward.
“Although he was incredibly challenged medically and needed care 24/7, he understood a lot, and there was a happy six-year-old inside of him. He loved the smiling faces of staff in the hospital, and they loved his own big smiles, positive attitude and sense of humour. He inspired all around him.
“We called him Super Zach, because despite everything life threw at him he kept smiling. It amazes me how much of a big impact he had on people in his little life.
“I felt quite overwhelmed seeing it all, he would have loved it. And if this can make someone’s stay in hospital a little bit easier and brighten up their time, that’s a lovely thing, and makes me really proud that we’ve done this.”
Stephanie Tombling added: “It’s amazing, seeing all of this come to life from being a concept to being here at the hospital – and knowing there’s so much detail and thought that has gone into it.
“It’s a very special space for us, as Zach spent a large part of his life here – and he would have loved all the colour and design, as would we during the many weeks we spent here.
“Zach loved cartoons, space, animals and superheroes and we were so pleased that all these elements were included in the design – alongside fun and surprising moments, like an ostrich with a helicopter, a train flying over a rainbow – there’s even a drawing of a superhero in a wheelchair, marshalling an elephant – it’s fun, but also empowering for children with disabilities. It’s amazing.”
Laura King, Head of Fundraising from Horton General Hospital Charity, which is part of Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: “Being with James and Stephanie, and seeing their reactions to this new art was such a privilege. You could see just how much it meant to them and the staff on the ward who know the family so well. There were hugs, tears and big smiles.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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