Hospice handed Chelsea Flower Show garden

John Eggleston who is smiling at the camera. He has grey hair and is wearing a green fleece and gardening gloves. He's standing in a garden.
John Eggleston said the hospice was "over the moon" with the gift [Hospice UK]

A hospice has been chosen to receive a garden from the Chelsea Flower Show.

Hospice UK and designer Tom Hoblyn will gift a garden to be made for the 2025 event to St Cuthbert's Hospice in Durham to highlight the "important role" played by such spaces in end of life care.

The Mediterranean-inspired design will be relocated to Durham following the show.

Jeff McWaters, a St Cuthbert's resident with Huntington's Disease, said the news was "fantastic" as being in the garden helps take his "mind off things".

A 3D model of the finished garden which includes trees and green plants of various sizes.
The garden will incorporate design elements inspired by the River Wear [Hospice UK]

While the initial inspiration for the creation comes from Mallorca, Mr Hoblyn has researched the Durham region and will incorporate design elements inspired by the River Wear and Cuthbert's Moor in the North Pennines.

Durham's climate has also been considered when choosing the materials and plants.

The hospice grounds. There's a greenish-blue bench sitting in a patch of grass. Trees and plants surround the grass.
The garden will be transferred to the hospice grounds after the show [Hospice UK]

John Eggleston, a volunteer gardener at the facility, said he knows it is "going to mean so much to people here".

Mr Eggleston, who has been at St Cuthbert's for the past 13 years, said: "We're all absolutely over the moon and it's going to be a real pleasure to help maintain this special garden."

The space will be accessible to both wheelchairs and hospice beds.

My Hoblyn said: "What is beautiful is also hugely beneficial for a patient's mind, body and spirit, and of course for their family and friends as they tackle life's most difficult journey."

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