30 Years of Great Gardens and Great Cakes supporting Marie Curie celebrated in stunning Huddersfield garden 

On Tuesday 25 August National Garden Scheme garden owners and County Organisers Elizabeth and David Smith opened the gates of their garden at Scape Lodge, Yorkshire, to celebrate 30 years of partnership with the UK’s leading end of life charity, Marie Curie. Since the partnership began, National Garden Scheme have raised more than £12 million for Marie Curie, helping to provide expert care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their families.  

Speaking about the event and the longstanding partnership with National Garden Scheme, Matthew Reed, Marie Curie CEO, said: “It was wonderful to bring together National Garden Scheme volunteers and garden owners with Marie Curie team members to celebrate 30 years of partnership in a beautiful garden with tea and cake.”  

“As the UK’s leading end of life charity, those thirty years of support – have helped us to provide expert end of life care and support to people living with a terminal illness, and their loved ones, in Yorkshire and across the UK. It has also helped us to fund the NGS Nightingale Challenge, a bespoke leadership programme for Marie Curie Nurses and healthcare professionals, developing future leaders to support end of life care. 

“We can’t thank the National Garden Scheme and all its supporters enough for helping us continue our work.” 

While celebrating the past 30 years, the future was very much part of the event with a ‘Legacy’ apple tree developed by Frank P Matthews for the National Garden Scheme’s centenary in 2027, presented to Marie Curie. 

Dr Yvette Oade, Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire spoke of trees as a lasting symbol of remembrance, of hope and renewal. “Trees represent a future that we won’t always see – they are a tribute to those we love and remember and to the care and compassion that supports people through trying times. That this Legacy will be planted at a Marie Curie Hospice is a wonderful extension of the partnership, reflecting the combined heritage of gardens and health.” 

A recent poll by Marie Curie revealed the important role of gardens and outdoor spaces when coping with difficult life moments, with 7 in 10 (70%) people who have been bereaved stating that spending time in nature helps them to process their grief and remember someone that has died.   

Almost 4 in 5 UK adults agreed that spending time in nature clears their mind during stressful times (78%) and provides an ‘escape’ from daily pressures (79%).  

Reflecting on the findings, Dr Sarah Holmes, Chief Medical Officer at Marie Curie, who was also in attendance at the event, said: “It’s clear from the research findings that being out in nature helps reduces stress and improves your mood, however, 25% of people don’t have access to green spaces. The National Garden Scheme provides a great opportunity for everyone to experience those positive benefits.  

“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped to create beautiful moments for people in wonderful gardens for all these years. Like the wonderful tree presented to us on Tuesday, which has its roots grounded in the here and now, we look forward to the partnership growing, blossoming, and bearing fruit in the years to come.” 

Closing the day, in which guests enjoyed guided tours of Elizabeth and David’s beautiful garden, along with homemade tea and cake, National Garden Scheme Chief Executive, Dr Richard Claxton said: “We are enormously proud to have supported Marie Curie over the last 30 years and thanks must go to all the wonderful garden owners and volunteers who make it all possible.” 

For more on the partnership click here