Progress is being made at this year’s Cancer Research UK Garden

On Monday 19th May Cancer Research UK will unveil its fifth garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. This year’s garden will be designed by Andy Sturgeon.

The three-time gold medal winner, Andy Sturgeon, said: “My inspiration for this year’s garden is the enormous amount of progress that Cancer Research UK has made and continues to make in its fight to beat cancer.”

Cancer Research UK has been at the forefront of progress in cancer research for over a century. The charity’s work has made a substantial impact on the survival and quality of life of cancer patients throughout the UK. Cancer deaths have fallen by 12 per cent over the last decade, with two out of three women with breast cancer now surviving beyond 20 years.

Progress has also been made in understanding cancer. Research suggests that around half of all cancers can be prevented by changes to lifestyle such as stopping smoking, staying in shape, eating and drinking healthily and protecting yourself from the sun.

This year, visitors will see Andy’s creation of a contemporary woodland garden that includes four rectangular pools, which increase in size towards the front of the garden. A series of computer generated raindrop-like ripples begin in sequence from the rear of the garden and dance through the pools towards the front of the garden, symbolising the advancement the charity is making.

The dramatic backdrop to the garden is the ‘thought wall’, which is a piece of sculpture in its own right. This is constructed from shot blasted and waxed aluminium rings. Behind the thought wall will be a second revolutionary wall made entirely from natural materials and 100 per cent recyclable.

The colour scheme will rely predominately on a variety of green plants. The accent colour will be orange, which is picked up in Euphorbias, the trunks of the tree ferns and the burnt orange wall. Purples and blues will also be used within the garden. The main plants used in the garden will be 30 large tree ferns and nine Nothofagus antarctica, the unusual southern beech. Almost every element of the garden will be recycled or reused.

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Harpal Kumar, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the Chelsea Flower Show for the fifth year running. Andy has once again created a fantastic and forward looking garden, which really symbolises the progress the charity has made. Making progress is what motivates Cancer Research UK, our people and our supporters to continue the fight to beat cancer.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Cancer Research UK’s press office on 020 7061 8492 or, out-of-hours, the duty press officer on 07050 264 059.

About Cancer Research UK

• The Cancer Research UK garden has been funded by a generous donation from a private sponsor.
• Chelsea Flower Show is takes place on 19-25 May 2008. For more information visit Royal Horticultural Society.
• Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK’s vision is to beat cancer.
• Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer.
• Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients.
• Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make.
• Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer.
• For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7009 8820 or visit our homepage.