Writer and broadcaster, Matthew Biggs, is leading a project to transform the gardens at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood after receiving treatment at the centre.

Matthew said: “During my treatment, I would always try and get to look at the garden and even sat in it once, but it lacked plants and despite the best efforts of volunteers, offered little inspiration as a healing garden.

“I have made it my mission to turn the outdoor spaces around the treatment centre and chemotherapy unit into a healing garden which will bring patients, staff, volunteers and members of the local community together.”

As well as Matthew being involved in the project, a whole host of garden experts will be showing their support: the design of the garden will be developed by Millie Souter from the Tom Stuart-Smith Studio and head gardener at the Serge Hill Project. Tom Stuart-Smith, internationally renowned garden designer, and his wife, Sue, psychologist and author of the best-selling book, ‘The Well Gardened Mind’, are also supporting the project.

The gardens will be constructed by Mark Gregory of Landform Consultants, multiple gold medal and ‘Best in Show’ winners at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Plants will be grown, planted and maintained by the Sunnyside Rural Trust, a social enterprise working with young people and adults with learning disabilities, as well as friends and volunteers from Mount Vernon Cancer Centre.

We have launched a fundraising appeal to help provide the resources Matthew and his team need to give the gardens a much-needed makeover and to maintain them.

Beth McNeil, head of fundraising said: “We are so excited to have the cream of the crop working with us to create beautiful garden spaces around our cancer centre.

“We know how vital gardens are for health and wellbeing. At the centre, they will be used by patients, their families and our NHS staff to enjoy all year round so we are incredibly grateful for every donation to help us transform them.

“We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Matthew who has championed the project from the outset. He has put his heart and soul into making this happen as a thank you for the care he had during his treatment. We are very proud to have such a highly esteemed gardener and broadcaster dedicating himself to improving the gardens to benefit others.

“We are also thankful to have had great support so far for this special project. We have launched an appeal to raise funds so that the beautiful new gardens can be maintained for patients, visitors and staff to enjoy in the years to come.”