ANN Jackson always took great pride in the flower garden at her family home at Oaksey even though it was her husband Richard who did all the digging, planting and weeding.

When she sadly died as a result of an infection two-and-a-half years ago keen gardener Mr Jackson continued to lavish time and effort on their green haven, which he dedicated in her memory.

Now he is potting and selling flowers he has grown at the rear of his terraced home in aid of the Brain Tumour Charity which funds research into the condition and supports those suffering from it.

Over the past 18 months he has raised £800 at local markets and will be selling more plants at Malmesbury Market at the Market Cross on Saturday (March 28), from 9am to noon.

Mrs Jackson was 74 when she underwent surgery to save her sight as a result of a tumour that she had all of her life without knowing it.

The surgery itself was deemed a success but she contracted a post-operation infection and died as a result in September, 2012.

The couple were married for 53 years, having tied the knot on Mrs Jackson’s 21st birthday in 1959.

Mr Jackson, 78, is a former factory worker who later turned his gardening hobby into a job, working in large local gardens including those of Lord Oaksey and high profile journalist/author Penny Junor.

Preparing his plants for market day this week, Mr Jackson said: “Ann really loved the garden which is why I’ve dedicated it to her memory.

“I grow flowers here to put on her grave at the village church.”

However, he felt he wanted to do more for others who suffer from tumours and so came up with the idea of growing plants for charity.

Their son Stuart, 53, of Minety, said: “Mum always loved spending time looking at the flower garden.

“She would say ‘look at my garden’ even though dad did all the planting and took care of it.

“I think that what he’s doing now is really great. He even pays for his own stall at the markets.

“Every penny raised is raised for a really good charity. He grows some lovely flowers, too.”