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Garden Designer Matthew Childs to tell the story of his recovery from the London bombings

Garden Designer Matthew Childs to tell the story of his recovery from the London bombings with a conceptual garden called 'Light at the end of the tunnel' at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2012.

The Design

The Garden is called 'Light at the end of the tunnel' and the theme is hope and recovery. The journey through the garden starts with a shaded, confined tunnel like space representing a period of trauma. However, there is clearly a path ahead and as the visitor walks down this path they are rewarded with more space, light and a growing sense of hope.

Inspiration for the garden

On 7th July 2005 Matthew was badly injured in the bombing at Edgware road station. When he was carried out of the underground he felt a great sense of hope and this continued to grow with the support he received throughout his recovery. Matthew said, "The bombings placed a new perspective on life for me and I felt I owed it to those people who did not survive the attacks to make the most of the chance I had been given. My recovery prompted me to fulfil my dream of becoming a garden designer."

The Difference

Members of the public provided essential first aid to casualties of the London bombings. Matthew felt very lucky and grateful to have received such help from several people, particularly Steve Hucklesby. Getting to know Steve after the event, Matthew learnt how he had been able to help others because of his first aid training. Matthew and Steve hope to encourage everyone to undertake a couple of hours of basic first aid training with St John Ambulance and will be promoting their courses via the garden.

About Matthew and his Design practice

Following a career in advertising, Matthew trained to become a garden designer with KLC School of Design where he attained a professional diploma and was awarded top student of the year. Matthew also holds the RHS level 2 certificate in horticulture. Matthew went on to set up his own design practice, Matthew Childs Design in 2010 and has worked on a broad range of commissions including public spaces and private gardens.