RHS to Rotherham: Chelsea Flower Show garden is 'amazing for everybody'

Health chief says award-winning green space will lead to “lots of opportunities”

“It's just amazing for everybody – all the staff and all the patients really enjoy it.”

Breathing Space patient Anne Milner and her husband Paul who is a volunteer gardener at Breathing Space, at the opening of the new Asthma + Lung UK Breathing Space Garden. | Iconic Media Group

placeholder image — Breathing Space patient Anne Milner and her husband Paul who is a volunteer gardener at Breathing Space, at the opening of the new Asthma + Lung UK Breathing Space Garden. | Iconic Media Group

That's the verdict on the new Breathing Space garden from patient Anne Milner who uses the service at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust site twice a week.

Work on the site in East Dene earlier this year | Kerrie Beddows

Speaking at the launch of the Asthma + Lung UK’s award-winning garden in East Dene, Anne said: “I come down twice a week to Breathing Space and go around the garden before I go in.

“The plants are absolutely beautiful and the air is so calming.”

Anne's husband Paul was also given a big 'shout out' during the opening speeches as he is also a regular visitor – not only bringing his wife to the NHS service but volunteering every day on site after the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show finished and the garden completed a 160-mile journey from London to Rotherham to transform the outdoor space.

The Asthma and Lung UK garden at the Chelsea Flower Show | TRFT

Guests also watched a video of Anne's journey as a service user at Breathing Space.

Speaking at the launch, TRFT interim deputy joint chief executive, Bob Kirton said: “Anne's is a powerful story but represents the experiences of many people (who use Breathing Space) and that's so important.

“This place means so much to so many people.

“The garden is absolutely brilliant.

“It fits so well with the space and will be used by so many and so there will be a legacy here and lots of opportunities – enjoy it!”