The foundation set up in memory of a schoolboy who passed away from leukaemia aged 12 has been chosen as a garden centre’s charity of 2017, because of his love of gardening.

Green-fingered Fabian Bate died in 2014, prompting his mum and her father to set up Fabian’s Childhood Cancer Trust, to support the families of children who have cancer.

Their work includes providing ‘treat bags’ for parents staying on the wards of the children’s cancer unit at the Royal Marsden Hospital, as well as raising funds for vital testing equipment.

Fabian’s leukaemia was diagnosed in 2006, when he was just four years old, and he went through years of treatment at Kingston Hospital and two bone marrow transplants.

During his life he was a keen gardener, and spent a lot of time at Garsons in Esher, which is why they have chosen the Trust as their charity for the year.

Fabian’s mum, Lydia, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Garsons for the wonderful privilege of being their charity of the year. Fabian would be so proud as Garsons was very close to his heart. We have very special memories of his last summer and Fabian picking his own fruit and veg at Garsons. He absolutely loved being there.

“His favourite pastime was being among growing things. He had his own vegetable plot and was fanatical about growing, among other things, herbs. Growing things gave Fabian such joy. Even his name means ‘bean grower’.”

Garsons director Ben Thompson said: “This is a truly wonderful charity making a real difference for local families. We were delighted to appoint them on what would have been young Fabian's birthday. We're proud to be fund-raising for such a fantastic local charity."