MADD Gardening

Between 24 October 2008 and 24 October 2008, in Truro

A disabled, agrophobic lady has had a dream come true thanks to Agents 4 Change and CSV.  Annie Lindo from Falmouth hasn't been in her garden since she moved to the Beacon almost three years ago.  It was so overgrown it wasn't safe for her.  The dismal scene greeted her every time she looked out the window and it was making her really miserable. Agrophobia gives Annie a fear of going outside.  However, Annie hates being cooped up indoors.  What she really wanted was a safe haven with a little patio which she could reach easily from her door. 

Her carer contacted BBC Radio Cornwall's CSV Community Producer Nina Davey who along with Agent 4 Change Zak Stanley arranged a radio appeal for people to come and make a difference.

Bright and early Nina found BBC Radio Cornwall's Agent4Change Zak Stanley hard at work clearing the waist high grass.  Zak had been busy rallying young people to lend a hand to make life easier for Annie. Unknown to us it was Zak's birthday and he had a chest infection but he was determined to make a difference to Annie's life.

Throughout the day more and more people came to lend a hand or look at what was happening as the garden gradually took shape.  Annie watched most of this from her kitchen window where she was supplying cups of tea.

One man we will have to refer to as Mr Anonymous came and worked all morning, but didn't want his photo taken in case anyone knew him - he was afraid people would think he was going soft!

Betty from next door came to offer any tools and was sent back for a hammer.  She came back armed with sweets for the children.

Karen and Trevor came with their family because they believe it's important to help people in need and want their children to understand the importance of community work.   The children cleared weeds and collected snails and even a toad.

Having cleared all the rubble and vegetation it was time to lay the patio but horror of horrors we'd not got enough sand.  Luckily a  DIY store in Penryn heard of Annie's problem and came to the rescue by donating a load so the work could continue.

Annie kept us supplied with tea and Karen bought some cake and buns as it was her birthday as well.  As we chatted we found it had been Graham's 50^th birthday that week as well.  It was hard work but in a really happy atmosphere.

After hours of mowing, weeding, tugging, lugging and brushing the shout went up that we had finished.  This was the moment of truth would Annie be able to conquer her fear and get into her garden?  Her friend Sarah took her arm and slowly they made their way from the back door.  It was obviously an enormous effort for Annie who screwed her face up with concentration.  But eventually her foot touched the patio to a cheer from all around and she was able to sit down and enjoy the moment.

Agent4Change Zak Stanley then presented her with a potted plant to brighten her patio and it was all too much for Annie who broke down in tears of happiness.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cornwall/content/articles/2008/10/28/places_makeithappengarden_feature.shtml

Posted on 04 November 2008 10:43:44 by Zak Stanley

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