A Blyth couple have transformed an abandoned allotment, and in the process transformed their mental and physical health.
In just a few months, Jamie Allen and Rahna Bailey have turned the spot into the beginnings of a sanctuary, and over the coming months they want to keep going - creating an allotment space where they can grow everything from fruit and veg to honeysuckle, and a special secret garden to help them and their family relax with nature.
Jamie, 36, has struggled with his mental and physical health. He told ChronicleLive how depression and chronic pain meant he was almost bed-bound, and worried for the future. But he said getting out and working on the allotment had transformed things, given him a new lease of life - he's now got a new job in the care sector - and helped him to become as fit as he's ever been.
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The allotment has also helped the couple come to terms with the heartbreaking loss of a pregnancy this March, too. Jamie said they had used a "sledgehammer" to help deal with this, by working through the demolition of an outbuilding on the plot.
Jamie said: "It started in January. My mate just said how he was getting an allotment and at the time it just sparked something for me. It rekindled something I had wanted when I was younger. I had always really wanted an allotment. I learned how to garden with my dad from the age of nine.
"Back in November, I was basically bed-ridden and in pain. I was fearing that I'd not ever be able to live a proper life again. I went on to the forums for the estate to ask anybody about allotments and I was told the person to speak to. I did that, and they said why don't you come down and have a chat. I don't think I slept I was really excited.
"Obviously I had no idea what to expect. The guy said 'go all the way down to the this plot, and tell me what you think'. Rahna and I went down and just looked at each other. We thought, let's do it. She was keen, my brain was a bit more overwhelmed. I think that was February 4."
He said that - since then - being outside, working in nature and beginning the process of creating a special space for themselves had been transformative.
"We started to go along and just each day do a little bit more." he said. "And before I knew it, it had changed everything for me, from my sleep cycle to my fitness. For me, February and March have always been hard months as my dad's birthday was actually the 4th and then the anniversary of his death is March 6. But we were able to work through it."
In March, the sadness of losing a pregnancy could have derailed things, Jamie said. But instead the allotment was therapeutic. He added: "We could have quit everything. I could have just gone back to bed. But instead we picked up a sledgehammer and took all of our grief out in that way.
"Obviously the allotment is still not the finished article, but it's just the sense of freedom from having this space we can create. It will be nice to create a real sanctuary for us."
Jamie summed up the transformation, both in and out, and thanked neighbours at the allotments and his friend Elspeth, who gifted the couple with tools to take on the plot. He said: "Fast-forward two months, and not only have me and my fiancée transformed the allotment - to the surprise and delight of our plot neighbours and the committee - but I’ve lost weight, gained muscle tone I’d never had, my depression is minimal, I am asleep by 9-10pm and awake at 6am most mornings and I’ve become such a happier person.
"There's been no one-to-one therapy, just being outside in the cold, wet and -sometimes warm - weather we’ve had and fresh air! And I’ve met some amazing people at the allotment who have helped so much. I taught myself to build things, dismantle things, fix things… things I’d never have done if I hadn’t asked about allotments on my Facebook page back in January."
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