#12DaysofHiddenHeroes: Gary Beard
In the lead up to Christmas, we're shining a light on #12DaysofHiddenHeroes.
On the sixth day of the festive season, we meet Gary Beard, a gardener at Mile End Hospital.
Gary Beard has been working as the Mile End Hospital gardener for 19 years.
Gary, like many of our behind the scene staff, worked throughout the pandemic and we wanted to find out more about his role.
He said: “We’re contractors. We are brought in to look after the whole Mile End Hospital site. We maintain the gardens, bins, mow grass, cut hedges and generally keep the grounds looking well.”
Mile End Hospital is a very unique site. Some of the trees are over 100 years old and I don’t think people know that”, Gary said.
“I’m proud and completely dedicated to my job. I treat these gardens as my own and always make sure they are healthy and thriving. I enjoy my role and coming out to the site. We do have lots of problems with wildlife though, but that’s nature isn’t it!”
The gardens and outside spaces are enjoyed by the staff, patients and local community who regularly visit the hospital. Gary said: “ My proudest moment is when the patients come out in the spring and enjoy the garden. There’s not many green spaces around here anymore, so it’s nice to see people appreciating the garden.
“The gardens here are home to lots of scented plants and we have even planted the special tree in memory of the people who died of Covid-19. It’s a special place for people to visit.”
Gary shared that Covid-19 has played a big part in his family, he said: “Sadly I lost my wife to Covid-19 almost two years ago and recently my daughter has been unwell with the virus.
“This year my plan is to stay at my daughters house over the Christmas period and celebrate the festive season with her family.”