A WOMAN from Ivybridge has spoken of how she has benefited from working in a garden set up by veterans’ charity Help for Heroes in its Plymouth Recovery Centre.

Leigh-Ann Jones from Ivybridge was introduced to the Recovery Centre by husband Chris, an ex-Army Air Corps soldier whose physical injuries led to years of poor mental health.

However, a Help for Heroes psychological wellbeing advisor recognised that, as well as supporting Chris, Leigh-Ann was also in need of support.

Deaths in the family throughout her childhood contributed to high levels of anxiety and stress for Leigh-Ann. Eight members of her family died of breast cancer, and after finding out she had an 85 per cent chance of developing breast cancer and a 65 per cent chance of getting ovarian cancer, Leigh-Ann opted to undergo surgical menopause and a double mastectomy as an adult.

The operation led to ongoing neck and shoulder problems, and compounded the severe anxiety and stress she was already experiencing.

Help for Heroes’ advisor recognised this and referred Leigh-Ann to cancer charity Macmillan who were able to offer her the specific psychological support she needed. Although the support is ongoing, that referral, and Chris’ referral to South West Veterans Mental Health Service, have helped the couple move forward using the coping strategies they have been introduced to.

For Leigh-Ann, one strategy was immersing herself in the ’Hero Garden’, part of the recovery centre inside Devonport Naval base.

She said: ’I haven’t got the space for a garden at home so the Hero Garden gives me an excuse to be outside. Gardening is usually quite hard for me because of my own medical problems but the raised beds are excellent as I can overcome my back problems.

’Being in the garden helps me manage my anxiety. I can tend to the garden on my own or with others and it’s just a beautiful environment. You’re in control and there’s always something to do. Weeding is a therapy in itself.

’Chris sits and reads his book on a weekend when I come in to tend to the garden. It’s such a peaceful environment when you want it to be and it can also be social when there are others around helping.

’It’s always an achievement to start with a little seed and look after it until it turns into something that you can eat yourself or give to others. It makes you feel good and gives you something to focus on. It’s about learning different plants, types, taste, it’s just awesome.

’Help for Heroes helped me recognise my own problems; I now have support thanks to their referral and I have an outlet to help heal myself in the Hero Garden.

’Chris and I have had so much support and I want to give something back.’

Over the last year the Hero Garden has produced 47 varieties of fruit, vegetables and herbs, including more than 50kgs of potatoes. Its 480,000 bees have prepared 80lbs of honey and 129 litres of apple juice were made from the apple trees on site.

The Hidden Wounds team, part of Help for Heroes that provides support to veterans, their families and the families of serving personnel suffering mental health issues, can be contacted confidentially on 0808 2020144 free from UK landlines, weekdays 9am-5pm, or see www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-support .