Alan Titchmarsh fans in tears as ITV announce tragic death at end of Love Your Garden
Alan Titchmarsh viewers were moved to tears after watching a teenager with terminal cancer in the latest episode of Love Your Garden, which aired on August 22
by Zoe Delaney, Alex Evans, Tom Kershaw · The MirrorITV viewers were left in floods of tears as a teenage boy with terminal cancer appeared on Alan Titchmarsh's 'Love Your Garden'.
The touching episode saw Alan visiting an inspirational teenager in East Yorkshire. Fifteen year old Harri Torr opened up to Alan about his harrowing battle with cancer, which returned as terminal just two weeks after celebrating his cancer-free status.
Alan Titchmarsh shared with his audience: "Today I'm in East Yorkshire in the city of Hull to meet an incredible young man. He's only 15 but he's an amazing example to us all." Harri’s mother, Erika, detailed their arduous experience: "They told us we don't think his leg will be saveable. He got the all clear and rang the bell, but two weeks later the cancer had spread."
Regarding his prognosis, Harri gave the grim update: "They say between three and 12 months." Alan then disclosed to viewers, "Harri has created a bucket list and there's something very special on it. He desires a garden where he can enjoy 'whatever time he's got left' with his mum."
Harri spoke of his concerns for his family more than himself and the struggle they would face. He concluded: "It's about making the most of life, even if you have a condition or cancer, you have to live everyday like you're dying." Harri's outlook on life was simple and poignant: "That's how you have to live your life."
Alan embarked on a touching mission to build a pond for a young boy who longed for a sanctuary replete with wildlife and greenery. Frances Tophill enlisted the talents of a professional graffiti artist to transform Harri’s shed into a hip hangout spot, decking it out with an alfresco cinema and a spot dedicated to pizza-making sessions.
In addition, Alan crafted a snug corner for Harri and his mum Erika, complete with 'exquisitely perfumed' blooms and a special tree for planting – ticking off one more item from Harri's cancer bucket list. Amidst the uncooperative Hull weather, he declared: "Despite the weather in Hull being most unkind, me and my soggy team have got the job done."
He anticipated the mother and son's reaction: "I think Harri and Erika are gonna be well chuffed. It's a bucket list busting delight. Places to celebrate life and make memories. Restful nooks for moments of reflection. From an exciting natural landscape." Tucked away in a verdant nook, Frances' creation of an open-air cinema eagerly awaits its debut screening under the stars.
Astounded by the garden's transformation, Harri couldn't contain his wonder: "Wow. It looks like someone else's garden. It's magic! It's not slippery either. That's fantastic. I'm speechless really. It's gonna make a massive difference. This is gonna be kind of an escape area for me, it's like I'm somewhere else. Thankyou very much, thankyou."
ITV ended the episode with a poignant message, telling viewers: "And we're very sad to say that since this programme was made, teenager Harri has passed away." The episode, which originally aired on February 25, 2020, featured young Harrison voicing his worries for his family after being given a terminal diagnosis. When the episode was rebroadcast on August 22, 2023, it was the first time it had been shown since Harri's devastating passing in March 2020.
Viewers, struck by the realisation that the brave boy discussing his 'bucket list' garden and facing a life expectancy of just 12 months had already died, shared their heartfelt reactions. @"teenamassam" posted on Twitter: "Watching #loveyourgarden didn't realise it was going to be a repeat. I remember this one, he's such a brave lad..." along with a tearful emoji. @"ashercoleman" wrote in admiration: "What a remarkable lad Harri was. I am in awe of people like him." @"kr28840" confessed: "didn't see this first time round but already it's very moving."
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