Cancer Relief Centre’s new garden of tranquillity

British Forces Gibraltar personnel recently completed the project of transforming some waste ground at the Cancer Relief Centre into a garden of tranquillity.

The garden of tranquillity project was conceived a number of years ago during volunteer work by HQBF personnel to support the opening of a four-bedroom hospice on the top floor of the Centre.

In a statement, British Forces Gibraltar explained that this dream was realised this past summer when CPO Paul Reed and other members of HQBF commenced work to prepare the waste ground to the rear of the Cancer Research Centre under the direction of James Attwood of Creative Gardens.

After the clearance of the ground was completed, CPO Dave May took over the reins as the lead for the British Forces Gibraltar contingent on the project, working closely with Creative Gardens to advance the work on the Garden of Tranquillity.

For the rest of the summer and into the cooler months CPO May and his fellow volunteers worked in all weathers in order to complete the project which now has decking, flower beds and a water feature.

The project involved hundreds of man-hours to clear ground, remove dead trees, rocks and lay the foundations for a path leading to the raised deck and then transfer, by hand, over 12 metric tonnes of top soil for the flower beds.

This project has developed a unique community link between British Forces Gibraltar and the Gibraltar community.

The Cancer Relief Centre provides support to people living with cancer in the community and has done so for over 30 years.

All their services are free and aimed at helping the individual and their family to live life to the full.

The Centre is there to support health care professionals in their roles.

The Centre’s services can be used by anyone, whether for a one-off chat or more continued support.

They offer a warm, welcoming environment where you can always find someone to talk to, whatever your needs.