When Mr R showed me his lovely – but unkempt – garden and explained how he was hoping to get his barbeque back into use during this week’s sunny weather, I was determined to do as much as possible to help. Mr R is struggling with his seventh course of chemotherapy for lung cancer and has felt saddened by watching fallen leaves, weeds and litter take over outside his windows whilst being too unwell to intervene.

After assembling his new strimmer, I got to work, focusing on what I hoped would make the biggest difference – strimming and raking overgrown grass, clearing the patio and paths, pulling bindweed from fruit trees and, finally, dusting off the barbecue and outdoor furniture. I added everything (except the litter) to a compost heap started by a helpful neighbour – the heap is now huge but it will soon rot down and is providing a valuable haven for invertebrates.

It was a pleasure to chat with Mr R who came out into the garden at intervals to make sure I had everything I needed. Now he says he’s looking forward to sitting outside with his morning cup of tea to enjoy his ‘much more respectable looking’ green space.