Maggie's Gardening Group prepares for Winter

Maggie’s Gardening Group got together on Wednesday, November 24 to prepare the garden for the onset of winter. They were joined by Dan Pearson, who designed the garden for the centre.

Dan, who also worked on the garden at the Millennium Dome, said: “Coming back to see the garden and speak to people who use the centre and get so much out of maintaining it, or simply sitting in it, has been very humbling. I’m delighted that my design is helping people on their journey with cancer and after today I look forward to returning to see the garden in full bloom next year.”

Maggie’s Gardening Group is led by Rosemary Creeser who has been involved with the garden since the centre opened in April 2008.

Rosemary said: “When you are gardening, you are in the moment; you are not worrying about the past or the future. The gardening group is a supportive environment, people can discuss issues in the group and the activities allow them to relax.”

Maggie Brennan, who has had breast cancer and is a member of the group said: “The first two or three times I visited Maggie’s I just burst into tears. Bernie - the centre head - was wonderful, she knew what I was going through and what I was talking about. I used to work in HR and following my diagnosis I suddenly had the desire to go outside and be in the fresh air, not in an artificially lit and air conditioned office.”

Bernie Byrne, Centre Head at Maggie’s London, said: “Maggie’s is all about helping people to live with cancer. We do this in a number of ways at our centres throughout the UK, looking at practical, emotional and psychological support. The gardening group contains people who have various types of cancer including breast, prostate and ovarian. They all support each other, make friendships, share their feelings, fears and experiences in a very natural and informal way as part of the group.”

Maggie’s gardening group in London meet on the last Wednesday morning of every month.