Harriet lives in Kingsthorpe and lives with fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes widespread chronic pain, extreme fatigue, and a range of debilitating symptoms. For Harriet, any strenuous physical work can leave her in pain for days, making it impossible to maintain her garden.
Over time, her front and back gardens became completely overgrown. The front path was difficult to access, and the back garden had become entirely unusable. As someone who spends most of her time at home due to her condition, Harriet felt increasingly trapped indoors with no access to outdoor space. Relying on benefits, she couldn’t afford professional help and felt powerless as things continued to get worse. She was too embarrassed to invite friends or family over, and the situation began to take a toll on her mental health.
After reaching out to us and sharing some photos of her garden, Harriet was added to our list without delay. A volunteer visited soon after to assess the situation and immediately got stuck in.
Over several visits, our volunteer, Liam , worked hard to clear the space, cutting back overgrowth, removing debris, and restoring access to both the front and back gardens. Harriet now has safe, clear entry to her home and the freedom to step outside, breathe in fresh air, and enjoy nature again. The change has had a huge impact, not just on her physical surroundings, but on her emotional wellbeing too.
She no longer feels trapped and is once again able to welcome visitors without shame or stress. A volunteer gardener continues to visit regularly to help maintain the space, ensuring Harriet can continue enjoying the peace and comfort of her garden with dignity and pride.
Do you or someone you know need help and support to get through a difficult time? We know that asking for help is not easy, just complete our contact form and we’ll be in touch with more on how we can help.
The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation
67 Grove Rd
Northampton
NN1 3LJ
Registered Charity Number: 1190255
