WHEN Mandi Boardman was diagnosed with cancer it put an end to one of her great passions in life.

Mandi, aged 52, from Lindridge, was a mad keen gardener who had created a haven for birds and wildlife but her devastating diagnosis two years ago has resulted in an operation and arduous treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

This has left her unable to tend to her garden, adding to her depression and reminding her of the illness.

Husband, Guy, aged 50 had to take up the slack running the family marketing business and so a garden haven had become a jungle.

But Mandi and Guy were overwhelmed with joy when a group of volunteers from Homebase arrived to completely transform their overgrown garden.

The 14-strong team of volunteers travelled from across the country, including the local store in Worcester and used their expertise to help the couple make a fresh start as part of Homebase’s charity partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support.

Having moved out to the country for a better quality of life, the couple had been working hard to create their dream garden for more than 10 years, planting numerous flower beds, wild flower areas and an orchard; as well as growing their own vegetables, salads and fruit.

The garden soon became a haven for wildlife including bees, butterflies, birds, grass snakes and even bats!

However, as a result of Mandi’s exhausting treatment for breast cancer and Guy looking after her as well as running their business on his own, the garden had become overgrown.

Mandi says that the garden that had once been their pride and joy fell into an unmanageable state.

“For a long while, the garden had to be our lowest priority and seeing just how bad it had become was really getting me down,” said Mandi.

“It was a constant reminder of being unwell and being powerless to do anything about it.”

Following her diagnosis, Mandi visited the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centres at Worcestershire Royal Hospital for information as well as emotional support and to let off steam about her deteriorating garden and other worries.

Keen to use their skills to help the couple, the volunteers set about revitalising the beautiful space so that Mandi and Guy could manage and enjoy it together once again.

As part of the transformation, they planted fresh lavender, dug out weeds, trimmed back hedges and pruned shrubs. They also extended the patio area for potted herbs and installed a metal garden arch as a feature.

“I am absolutely over the moon and want to thank the Homebase volunteers so much for our new garden,” Mandi added.

“The old garden often left me feeling isolated and helpless and I can’t wait to start gardening and having friends over again.”

Will Gogerty, partnership development manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said that the volunteers have done a great job.

“We really appreciate Homebase’s continued fundraising efforts, helping to ensure no one faces cancer alone. I especially want to thank the volunteers for reaching out and helping to improve the lives of people with cancer in the local community.”