Since its foundation in 1927 the National Garden Scheme has donated over £70 million to support some of the best-loved nursing and health charities in the UK. One of the most significant beneficiaries has been Macmillan Cancer Support and 2024 marks 40 consecutive years of this partnership and annual donations from the National Garden Scheme to Macmillan. These stories celebrate our partnership and the close ties between the two charities and our garden owners.
A cancer diagnosis changed Lara Honnor’s life. Deciding that cancer had messed with the wrong girl she bought a puppy and turned to nature and horticulture and now opens her Skool Beanz Childrens’ Allotment for the National Garden Scheme in Somerset.
It was while awaiting her post cancer surgery histology results at the NGS Macmillan Centre in Chesterfield that Maggie Porteous decided to open her garden in the Peak District for the National Garden Scheme.
Impressed by the care her mum received from Macmillan nurses, Jenny wanted to give something back and now raises money through opening her award-winning garden for the National Garden Scheme.
Geoff has been opening his garden and fundraising for the National Garden Scheme and Macmillan Cancer Support since 2011. From what motivates him, to how much he has raised to his top tips on opening your garden for charity, there’s plenty to inspire.
Owner Val Brown and her late husband started creating Tranquility Haven from nothing. She opened her garden for the first time in 2019 saying: “My husband died with cancer and I saw what he went through and all the help he had from Macmillan, so now I am giving something back”.
The cancer voices community at Macmillan brings together individual people with personal experience of cancer, which they are willing to share to help achieve change. Some people from the cancer voices community shared what gardens mean to them and how gardens, and gardening, have supported their wellbeing throughout their cancer experience.
Staying safe in the sunshine is SO important when you’re in the garden, whatever the time of year. So we asked Macmillan Cancer Support for their top tips for staying safe in the sunshine.
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