For many, gardening is a hobby. For 48-year-old Matt Peskett from Dorking, it has become a lifeline. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2024, Peskett has turned to his long-standing passion for growing giant pumpkins as a way to cope with the physical and emotional strain of living with cancer.
What began as a fascination nearly a decade ago has evolved into a deeply personal form of therapy. Amid chemotherapy treatments, countless hospital visits, and the uncertainty of his prognosis, Peskett finds purpose and calm in nurturing seeds into towering gourds that weigh hundreds of pounds.
A Seed of Distraction
Peskett is no stranger to pumpkin growing. He first took up the challenge in 2015 after being inspired by Royal Horticultural Society expert Matthew Oliver, who at the time had produced a record-breaking specimen displayed at RHS Hyde Hall.
“Pumpkins give me something positive to focus on,” he explained. “When you’re managing a serious illness, your mind can go to some dark places. But when I’m in the garden, concentrating on the soil, the temperature, or the watering, I’m not thinking about cancer. I’m just thinking about the pumpkin.”
That focus, he says, is invaluable. The work demands commitment, structure, and energy, qualities that help him maintain a sense of normality. “I keep doing what I love because I never know if I’ll have another year to grow a big pumpkin,” he said.
The Science Behind the Giants
Growing a pumpkin large enough to rival a small car isn’t as simple as planting a seed and waiting. Peskett likens the process to running a scientific experiment.
Success depends on careful attention to detail: pedigree seeds, nutrient-rich soil, consistent warmth, and specialized feeds that include potassium and even seaweed.
“You can’t just leave it and hope for the best,” he explained. “Each day I think about what the plant needs, whether it’s protection from cooler nights, adjustments in watering, or additional nutrients. It’s a lot of patience and hard work, but when you see the results, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
His efforts have yielded remarkable results. In 2022, he achieved a personal record with a 677-pound (307-kilogram) pumpkin that was officially weighed at RHS Hyde Hall.
His latest creation, affectionately nicknamed “Abdul” after his haematology doctor, was recently rehomed at Tulleys Farm in Crawley, West Sussex.
Also Read: After Hurricane Harvey Disaster in 2017: Agriculture Gave This Couple a Second Chance
A Pumpkin With Purpose
Abdul isn’t just a giant vegetable, it’s a symbol of resilience and generosity. Tulleys Farm purchased the pumpkin for £500, with the funds donated directly to the cancer fund at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, where Peskett is receiving treatment.
Naming the pumpkin after his doctor was a personal tribute. “He was really proud when I told him,” Peskett shared with a smile. The gesture highlighted not just the therapeutic value of gardening for the grower, but also its power to spread hope and raise awareness within the community.
Balancing Treatment and Passion
Since his diagnosis, Peskett has endured two rounds of chemotherapy along with a steady stream of medical appointments. Despite the physical toll, he remains determined to keep gardening at the heart of his routine.
His wife, with good humor, jokes that the pumpkin is “the other woman” in their relationship, a testament to the time and dedication he devotes to the project.
“I try to be upbeat and live as normally as possible,” he said. “When I’m growing, I’m not just passing the time, I’m investing in something bigger than myself.”
That outlook has become an essential part of his coping strategy. By framing his garden as a source of joy rather than a reminder of limitations, Peskett has managed to maintain both optimism and energy throughout his treatment.
The Mental Health Connection
While his pumpkins are impressive in size, Peskett’s message is broader: gardening of any kind can be a powerful tool for mental health.
“It’s relaxing, it’s therapeutic, and when you see something you’ve nurtured grow, it gives you a real sense of achievement,” he said. “I would strongly recommend it to anyone going through stress or mental health struggles.
It doesn’t have to be a giant pumpkin, it could be flowers, vegetables, or just a small pot plant. The act of caring for something and seeing it thrive makes a real difference.”
His words reflect a growing body of evidence linking horticultural activities to improved well-being. Studies have shown that gardening can reduce stress hormones, promote mindfulness, and foster a sense of accomplishment. For Peskett, these benefits are not abstract theories, they are lived realities.
Pumpkins as a Metaphor for Life
In many ways, Peskett’s pumpkins mirror his own journey: fragile seeds requiring careful tending, vulnerable to setbacks, yet capable of extraordinary growth under the right conditions.
The patience, persistence, and care he invests in his garden are the same qualities helping him navigate the uncertainty of his illness.
Even in the face of adversity, he continues to plan for the future. Each new planting represents not just another chance at a record-breaking pumpkin but also a reaffirmation of life, hope, and resilience.
Inspiring Others
Peskett’s story resonates well beyond Dorking. His combination of humor, humility, and determination offers encouragement to others confronting their own struggles, whether medical or mental.
By sharing his experiences, he demonstrates that finding an outlet, whether gardening, art, or another passion, can provide structure and strength during life’s most difficult challenges.
The pumpkins may draw attention for their extraordinary size, but it is Peskett’s ability to cultivate resilience that leaves the deepest impression. His message is simple: growth, in all its forms, can be a powerful remedy.