She is also a passionate long-term supporter of Cancer Research UK. Her interest in horticulture was sparked by organising local open garden events for the charity, which led to a related small garden at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in 2001. This in turn, with the help of generous sponsorship from Aedas, led to a winning music-based Show Garden in 2003. Since then Mary has studied horticulture and garden design at Reaseheath College in Cheshire.