Stephanie Pattinson, one of the country's top florists, died last year aged just 41. Now her husband and her protege will pay tribute to her at the Chelsea Flower Show next week, as well as raising the profile of a unique cancer care project in the North-East. Sharon Griffiths reports.

AMONG all the hundreds of wonderful displays and gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this month, one of the most special will be that entered by Stephen Pattinson.

His display will be in memory of his wife Stephanie, one of the country's top florists and a mother of two young children, who died just before Christmas at the age of 41.

This time last year, Stephanie was competing at Chelsea herself, the tenth time she'd been there. She'd done so well so often, won so many medals - six altogether, including gold - that Interflora had invited her to be a judge, travelling all over the world.

Instead, Stephen, who ran their flower shops, Richardsons of Darlington and Barnard Castle, with Stephanie, is putting together an entry with Denise Spooner, herself a young award-winning florist who works at the Barnard Castle shop.

"Chelsea was such a big part of Stephanie's life for so many years that it just seems right to do it." says Stephen.

But there is another, more important reason. "I'm hoping to use it as a way of telling people about the Holistic Cancer Care Project at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough," he says. "It's a great idea and the people in the hospital were so marvellous with Steph, that I want to help them in return, help raise money and awareness."

Stephanie died from Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and had been regularly to Middlesbrough for treatment.

"They did everything they could for her but they also looked after the rest of us too, especially the children, Emily and Monty. We want to do anything we can in return and the Holistic Cancer Care Project is a wonderful idea.

"When people have cancer and are going through all the treatments, they need help. With the centre they will be able to offer patients acupuncture, aromatherapy, relaxation, all things to help people cope better. It's not just treating the cancer, it's more looking after the person as a whole, which is really important."

Stephen has been to Chelsea before with Stephanie - as chief technician and plant carrier - so he knows the practicalities. Denise, trained and encouraged by Stephanie, is a talented florist, former Young Designer of the Year, and has been to Chelsea only once before. Between them they have worked on their display on the theme of weddings, "all very rustic and willowy".

"We've used a blend of terracottas and oranges," says Denise "They're very fashionable colours at the moment and work well."

Stephen cheerfully admits that when Stephanie was in charge, his usual contribution was the punter's viewpoint. "I'm was very good at pointing out the obvious that they might have missed while getting carried away."

This time it's different.

There is a particular poignancy when a florist dies young. Staff at the shops had to do flowers for her funeral. The special days that mark the year - Valentine's, Mother's Day - are impossible to ignore and inevitably very hard to deal with.

But Stephen, trying to get his children through it all, as well as himself, is determined that the Chelsea entry should be a celebration as much as a memorial.

Even during her illness, Stephanie was still full of life and enthusiasm, in great demand as a speaker and demonstrator because she had the happy knack of making very stylish arrangements seem very simple. As well as impressing her audience, her chatty cheerful enthusiasm inspired them to have a go.

Now the Chelsea display stand takes up a large chunk of the Barnard Castle shop. During the next few weeks staff hope to tell people more about the Cancer Care Project and to collect some money towards it.

In place of the usual sponsor's plaque on the stand at Chelsea, there will be a notice saying why they are there. "Yes,of course it's going to be difficult being there without Steph, but I hope we can do well for her."

Richardsons Florists are in Galgate, Barnard Castle and Neasham Road, Darlington.

The Chelsea Flower show takes place at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea from 21-24 May. There are hundreds of entries ranging from individual displays to large show gardens by the world's best garden designers. Tickets, which start at £10 for non-members, must be booked in advance. For details tel: 0870 906 3781. Or visit www.rhs.org.uk