I've known Matt for about 20 years, having worked with him during my time at the RHS. Thank you for letting me come on board to help raise funds. Top bloke, a good friend. Returning the man hugs to you Matt.

I'm running the Run Leicester Festival Half Marathon on Sunday 11th October 2026.

Any donation received will help us complete Phase 2 works(entrance and adjacent planting) and ongoing maintenance to make the best environment for cancer patients, as well as creating tranquil spaces for NHS staff and visiting families.

This special project is the brainchild of garden writer and broadcaster Matt Biggs who has been inspired to give the gardens a much-needed makeover when looking out of the window during his chemotherapy treatment. He has made it his mission to turn the outdoor space into a healing garden, which will bring patients, staff, volunteers and members of the local community together.

The garden is designed by Millie Souter of Tom Stuart-Smith Studio and Head Gardener at The Serge Hill Project for Gardening, Creativity, and Health. It will be constructed by Landform Consultants, led by CEO Mark Gregory. Plants grown, planted and maintained by the Sunnyside Rural Trust, a social enterprise working with young people with learning disabilities, friends and volunteers from Mount Vernon Hospital.

My place is booked so there's no backing out. Training started last week.....