1 in 3 Cancer Support group’s therapy garden ‘remains open’

The charity stressed the green space is still open for those dealing with cancer.

Based at Eden allotments in Carrickfergus, the green space has been developed over the past year by 1 in 3 Cancer Support.

Karen McMeekan, co-founder of the charity explained: “It’s part and parcel of what we do; 1 in 3 sends bouquets of flowers to people who are going through cancer treatment, and this idea is taking it a step further by giving them a garden to sit in.

“It’s somewhere people can go to rest and reflect, and to enjoy the peace and quiet of being out in nature.”

With coronavirus dominating the headlines this year, the charity fears those living with cancer may feel they have been “forgotten about”, Karen added.

“We want to assure those people that they haven’t been forgotten about; 1 in 3 Cancer Support is still here for anyone in the community affected by cancer,” she said.

“In the midst of [a cancer diagnosis], it’s important to have somewhere to go to get that headspace.

“There is no need to book in [to the garden].”

Some images from the garden, based at Eden.

The therapy garden was developed with the help of PEACE IV ‘Your Place Our Space’ funding, aimed at bringing communities together through parks and open spaces.

Community donations of plants and seeds have helped the scheme to flourish, with old pallets re-purposed into fencing and planters.

For more information or to donate to 1 in 3 Cancer Support, visit the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/1in3cancersupport