Leicester cancer patient praises nature programme that supported his recovery
A Leicester cancer patient who says a hospital nature programme helped his recovery has welcomed the return of the initiative.
The Nurture Through Nature programme supports patients at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust with a range of outdoor activities designed to aid recovery for patients with serious illnesses.
Richard Lane, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, took part in the first Nurture Through Nature (NTN) programme at the Glenfield Hospital earlier this year and says it had a huge impact on his wellbeing during recovery.
The programme, which takes place in the Secret Garden, incorporates a range of wellbeing-focused activities, including mindfulness, nutrition and green therapy, all aimed at improving physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Richard was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and spent six weeks in hospital before taking part in the scheme.
He said: “My sarcoma is so rare, every doctor in England might only see one case of it in their career.
“When you first get to the Secret Garden, everyone who goes there is struggling, but they talk you through everything. So much of my recovery is down to [Nurture Through Nature], it really helped and I can’t thank them enough.”
Richard’s first experience of NTN included a range of activities, including meditation sessions and tomato planting, despite having no experience of either, helping him learn new skills and make relationships with other patients and volunteers.
After the successful launch in April 2026, the Trust has welcomed a new cohort of patients to the NTN programme. The group recently attended their first session, a guided meditation session in the Secret Garden at Glenfield Hospital, with a range of other activities to follow through October and November.
The first cohort was available to cancer patients, but has recently been extended to include patients who have cardiac conditions. The scheme is a 12-month pilot initiative funded by a grant from NHS Charities Together. The programme is designed to support patients on their recovery journey through a holistic approach that complements their clinical care.
Karen James, Secret Garden Project Lead, said: “Thanks to the support of NHS Charities Together, our Nurture Through Nature pilot programme has become a reality.
“I have always believed nature has an incredible ability to restore, nurture and heal. To see patients experiencing those benefits first-hand has been both humbling and inspiring.”
Previous green social prescribing schemes in England have shown contact with nature is linked to improved mental and physical health, and can positively affect happiness and wellbeing, and reduce social isolation. These activities can range from horticultural therapy to outdoor mindfulness sessions and tree planting, all of which are part of the NTN scheme.
The NTN programme is delivered by the Secret Garden team, supported by experienced professionals who generously donate their time and expertise free of charge. The scheme runs until April 2027, but it’s hoped the project will continue.
For patients like Richard, Nurture Through Nature has made a lasting impact, and he continues to visit the Secret Garden and catch up with the team.
“The Secret Garden is so peaceful”, he said, “I love going back, getting out the car and walking around. Each time you go back, something’s grown. All the flowers and plants, it’s brilliant. It’s enough to make a grown man cry.”
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust - 30 October 2026
