A group of hospice patients have joined forces with a champion vegetable grower to enter one of the biggest gardening competitions in the UK.
The green-fingered patients from St Kentigern Hospice, in St Asaph, have teamed up with national competition winner Mike Smith to enter the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show in July.
The eight-bed in patient hospice with day care facilities provides unparalleled care for those with life-limiting and terminal illness, but has to rely on 80 per cent of its income from the generous donations of the public.
Patient Phil O’Dwyer, 69, who has prostate cancer, said: “I feel very excited about the show. I’ve never been to anything like it before, so it’ll be a totally new experience. Mike is very passionate, and he knows what he’s doing that’s for sure.
“This is the first bit of growing I’ve done in my life apart from a few tomatoes 50 years ago. I’m enjoying it.”
The father of three and grandfather of eight is the owner of a local business in Rhyl.
Phil added: “I’ve had cancer in my tongue and my throat, and my mouth, but that’s all gone now, however it still affects my speech even now.
“The volunteers and the staff are fantastic. You could never find anywhere any better. Literally it’s brilliant.
“The volunteers don’t get any wages and yet they go out of their way to help you. They’re always asking you if you’re ok.
“You meet a lot of other people who have had similar problems to yours. They say if you talk about a problem you cut it in half don’t they. There’s a real community here. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life before.”
Mike Smith, 49, from St Asaph, won gold at the National Trug of Vegetables Championships at the RHS Malvern Autumn Show last year.
He said: “My mum who I Iost earlier this year was always keen on growing vegetables, and losing her has made me more determined to do more for others. It’s sharing what I love with other people so they can get the same pleasure from it I do. It’s just to give them pure enjoyment and I love it.
“We’ll be doing around 20 different types of vegetables, including beans, peas, potatoes, tomatoes.
“You get the best veg by growing it in good quality compost, and you take care of it, and you give it all the attention it needs.
“Anyone can be affected by a terminal illness, and St Kentigern is here for them at a drop of a hat. It costs £4,000 a day to run, and they rely on the generosity of the public.”
Neil Goulding, coordinator of day therapy at St Kentigern, thinks entering the vegetable competition is a great idea.
He said: “The patients are very enthusiastic and I think showcasing at the flower show is competitive as well so it’s getting that fire going back inside them. It’s something to be proud of because they’re planting veg to be shown at the best flower shows in the country.
“We can make an activity they love more adaptable and more available to patients.
“A lot of patients because of their condition can’t reach down to garden any more so it’s a lost activity for them.
“To do it here we have raised tables and a raised bed, and we’re able to rekindle that spark for them.
“It’s about joining in, learning new skills and about community. We’re like a family here.”
For more information about the hospice and how to make a donation go to www.stkentigernhospice.org.uk
