A WOMAN who created a garden sanctuary in Marazion after being widowed at the age of 30 has been honoured with an award for her efforts to create beauty and solace against the odds.

Angie MacDonald, 44, has set up a place and special garden overlooking St Michael's Mount to give bereaved families a space to help them come to terms with their loss.

Sand Rose, which Ms MacDonald runs with her second husband, Keith Butterfield, is now a registered charity and its success led to her being one of ten gardeners to receive the Gardening Against All Odds award.

"I was completely surprised and I think a little bit overwhelmed. I suppose I didn't realise for a long time how important the garden was," said Ms McDonald.

"I feel honoured that it was recognised and very very humbled. Some of the stories of the other contestants were just stunning."

She said the garden was a very private place, with lots of different places for children to play hide and seek and families to enjoy the tranquility of being by the sea.

Mr Butterfield said the aim was to give bereaved families a chance to come to terms with their loss. He said: "Over time and on a limited budget Angie has built it into a special place and conveyed the joy which a garden can bring.

"The aim was to create a perennial flower garden of herbs and scented plants with an English cottage garden feel, unusual in Cornwall where people like to grow exotics.

"As a direct result of Angie's personal loss and insight she has offered a helping hand to hundreds of families, who are referred by bereavement services, GPs, hospitals and other organisations."

The awards – whose judges include presenter David Bellamy – are dedicated to the memory of the writer Elspeth Thompson.