Patients and staff join stars at Chelsea Flower Show

They got an exclusive look at this year's gardens as they represented hospice care at the Hospice UK 'Garden of Compassion'.

Two St Christopher’s patients had their dreams come true as they were invited to the Chelsea Flower Show.

Sam Lucas and Emma Pancha were joined by staff members Jarmila Whiteley, Lorna Pearce and Emily Fisher on ‘preview day’ at the world famous show.

They got an exclusive look at this year’s gardens as they represented hospice patients at the Hospice UK ‘Garden of Compassion’ and were photographed with our ambassador, Tom Allen, as well as with Hospice UK’s ambassador, Gloria Hunniford.

Tom had met Sam and Emma, as well as Lorna and Jarmila, a few weeks earlier when the comedian joined them for a session of painting ‘Together Pebbles’ which were included in Hospice UK’s garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Sam, 54, said going to Chelsea was on her bucket list and decorated her wheelchair especially for the occasion.

When told she would be attending, she said: “Oh my god, you’ve made my life.”

Afterwards, she added: “I had a truly magical day. I think we all did. After watching Chelsea on the BBC twice a day for 30 years, it was incredibly special to see it all in the flesh.

“And we were treated to a cavalcade of celebrities all day so that added a fun dimension. I got to meet a few of my gardening heroes so that was really cool. But there’s only one quote of the day from me and it’s still echoing around my head, ‘David Tennant touched my hat!”

The Together Pebbles feature is based on an initiative started during Covid-19 whereby hospice patients would receive a hand-decorated pebble: one side featuring an artwork, and the other with a personalised message from a friend or family member.

They’re symbolic of the many acts of remembrance taking place in hospices around the UK, who offer ways for families to make dedications – and find comfort – through their in-memory gardens, tree dedications or books or remembrance.

These pebbles were a way for people to stay connected, despite not being able to see each other in person because of the lockdown.

At the Hospice UK Garden of Compassion, Together Pebbles created by hospice patients, staff and guests will be placed into beautiful artisanal crafted bowls, specially made for the garden by artist Thea Thompson.

Click here to read more about this visit on the Hospice UK website.