Nature’s role in the recovery process
Carol Klein on breast cancer, the climbing rose that got her through recovery, her new memoir – and bath time with John Lennon
How gardening has supported me through my cancer journey
Reece Follett, the Cancer-Fighting Gardener, shares how his love of gardening has helped him cope with his cancer diagnosis
For Reece Follett, gardening has been much more than a hobby – it’s been a lifeline through the most challenging chapter of his life. Diagnosed with a rare bone cancer while working as a police officer, Reece’s journey has been marked by intense treatments, major surgery and significant physical challenges. Yet through it all, his allotment near Bristol has provided a place of peace, purpose and connection.
“Gardening has been my lifeline through this whole ordeal,” Reece says. “It’s more than just a hobby – it’s my escape. It keeps my mind off cancer and connects me to nature and my dad, who helps me with the physical work.”
"Gardening has been my lifeline through this whole ordeal. It’s more than just a hobby – it’s my escape."
Reece’s symptoms began with severe jaw pain and swelling, initially dismissed as a toothache. After months of delays and misdiagnoses, he was finally diagnosed with sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. “The treatment was intense and complicated. I had chemotherapy and a surgery that took 16 hours to remove part of my jaw and rebuild it using bone from my leg,” he explains. “It was tough – losing sensation in my face and leg, losing all my teeth – but the surgery saved my life.”
The physical aftermath has made everyday activities like walking, talking and eating enormous challenges. “I’m on a liquid diet now. Chewing solid food is agony,” Reece admits. “But gardening – that’s something I can still do, something I can control.”
Growing together
His dad has played a crucial role throughout. “My dad’s been amazing,” Reece shares. “He was off work to help me, and we’ve adapted the garden for my limited mobility with raised beds and special tools. We chat about plans and projects, and he jokes that he’s getting too old for all the work.”
hold a special place in Reece’s heart. “I love bulbs because they’re low hassle and come back every year. Unlike other flowers that take a lot of space and work, bulbs just keep going,” he says.
"I love bulbs because they’re low hassle and come back every year. Unlike other flowers that take a lot of space and work, bulbs just keep going"
Though he can’t eat most of the fruit and vegetables he grows, Reece finds joy in sharing his harvest. “It’s ironic – I have two allotment plots, a greenhouse, and planters full of fruit and veg, but I can’t really eat any of it. I batch-cook soups from my produce and give the rest to my nan, partner and parents. Seeing others enjoy the food I grow makes me happy.”
Life keeps growing
Gardening has taught him patience and hope. “It’s a long-term investment,” Reece says. “Each year the plants grow bigger and better. Sometimes a year isn’t great, but over time, everything develops. My partner sometimes doubts we’ll get much from it, but gardening isn’t about instant results.”
For Reece, the garden has become a source of strength and a reminder that life goes on. “It keeps my mind active, and my spirits lifted. When I’m outside with my cat chasing flies or noticing a flower that wasn’t there an hour ago, I’m reminded that life continues to grow and evolve – even after the toughest storms.”
His advice to others facing adversity is simple but powerful: “Don’t feel sorry for yourself. Find your passion, focus on the small victories, and know that this tough blip will fade. Gardening has been that light for me – and maybe it can be for you too.”
Reece is sharing his cancer and gardening journey on social media. Follow @thegardenersadventure on Instagram for updates.
Reece’s top gardening tips for limited mobility
- Use raised beds: “Raised beds are a game changer. They save your back and make everything much easier to reach, especially if you can’t bend down or kneel.”
- Choose low-maintenance plants: “Bulbs are brilliant – they come back every year with minimal fuss. I also love climbing plants because they don’t take up much ground space but add a lot of life and colour.”
- Invest in special tools: “There are tools designed for people with limited strength or mobility – long-handled tools, ergonomic grips, and lightweight equipment really help.”
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: “My dad has been a huge help with the heavy lifting. Don’t hesitate to lean on friends or family; gardening can be a shared joy.”
- Focus on what you can control: “Gardening is about adapting to your own needs. Don’t worry about rules or perfection. Just enjoy what you’re growing and let it evolve.”
- Make use of a wheelbarrow: “I fill multiple watering cans and once filled, I use a wheelbarrow to move them over to my vegetable patch and water from there. This saves my energy and reduces the number of trips I need to do.”
About the author – Charlotte Olver
Charlotte Olver is a garden writer who explores how gardening supports wellbeing. Blending science with storytelling, her work highlights nature’s role in healing and celebrates the garden as a place of restoration, resilience and belonging.
