Aberdeen volunteer gardeners hang up their spades after 14 years at Clan Cancer Charity

By Cameron Roy

December 2 2022, 7:09 pm

Clan Cancer Support volunteers Shonagh McFadyen and Moira Cameron retire after transforming an Aberdeen garden into an award-winning sanctuary. Image: Clan Cancer Support.

Two volunteer gardeners have retired after transforming an Aberdeen garden into an award-winning cancer sanctuary.

Moira Cameron and Shonagh McFadyen have been volunteering at Clan Cancer Support for a combined total of 14 years.

But this week, they tended to the garden at the charity’s Aberdeen’s Westburn Road headquarters for the final time.

When Moira took up the volunteering position in 2013, after retiring as a teacher from Elrick Primary School in Westhill, she recalled the outdoor space being completely undeveloped.

One of her first tasks was to prepare the charity’s garden after the 2011 opening of Clan House and its adjoining bed and breakfast facility, Clan Haven.

Moira Cameron and Shonagh McFadyen have created a sanctuary for people going through cancer treatment. Image: Clan Cancer Support.

The north-east based charity offers affordable accommodation to anyone travelling to Aberdeen for hospital treatments.

‘The garden offers so much more’

Moira said: “The first thing I did was plant three containers with summer bedding. In one of them l planted sweet peas growing up canes. One lady who was staying at Clan Haven commented that she’d like to plant them in her garden the following year.

“Her husband told me that was the first time she had made any comments about the future. That’s when l realised that the garden could offer so much more to the clients than just somewhere nice to sit.”

Ms McFadyen and Ms Cameron both have a special connection with the garden. Image: Clan Cancer Support.

Moira started working with Shonagh after she retired from working in human resources in the energy sector.

Shonagh said: “In the time I have been with Clan I have felt a connection with the garden.

“It’s given me the motivation to work hard and ensure everything looks its best for the clients, visitors and staff to enjoy.

Award-winning garden looks for new volunteers

The green-fingered duo have contributed to transformational projects including the development of a sensory garden and a secluded patio area designed for wheelchair users to enjoy.

The women’s hard work at the Clan garden has been recognised with several local and national awards.

These include numerous Aberdeen in Bloom prizes including Aberdeen Communities Together and Wright Sustainability Award and a Keep Scotland Beautiful award in 2021.

The charity is looking for volunteers to help fill the shoes left by the duo. To learn more, visit the website or call 01224 647 000.