Barry’s Garden at Maggie’s Liverpool

We are deeply honoured to share that a garden at the new Maggie’s cancer centre in Liverpool will be named in memory of our beloved Chairman, Barry Owen, who sadly passed away in April at the age of 82.

During the later stages of his own cancer journey, Barry found peace and strength in the garden at his family home. It became a sanctuary for him — a place of calm, reflection, and comfort. Inspired by that, Barry’s Garden will carry forward the qualities he embodied every day: empathy, positivity, and peace.

This special space will be more than a garden. It will be a living tribute to Barry’s kindness and care, offering thousands of people affected by cancer the chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect.

Barry’s wife, Susanne, shared:

“Barry took such great comfort from walking in our garden and sitting amidst the plants and flowers. He would be so pleased to know that others coping with cancer could find the same peace, especially here in the city he loved so dearly. This will be a very special place that I’m sure people will treasure.”

Work on Maggie’s Liverpool, at the junction of Prescot Street and Daulby Street, will begin in March 2026. It will be the 29th Maggie’s centre, and the third generously funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation. As Steve Morgan said:

“Every penny will go towards helping people in the Liverpool area with their cancer journey – a tough road to travel.”

Already, many of Barry’s friends and colleagues have pledged their support, including Mason Owen, Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, the Boodles Charitable Trust, Jim Clarke, and Andy and Patricia Pritchard.

A JustGiving page has been launched so that everyone who knew Barry — and those touched by his legacy — can contribute and leave a message.

Jim Davies, Barry’s close friend and co-founder of DWF, reflected on the immense turnout at Barry’s memorial service:

“It was standing room only in the Anglican Cathedral, and that says it all. Barry gave so much to his home city, and with the help of his many friends and colleagues, this garden will be his last great gift. He was a remarkably generous man, and now he’s asking us to help others.”

The new Maggie’s will provide free practical, emotional, and psychological support for people with cancer, as well as their families and friends.

If you would like to honour Barry’s memory and help bring his garden to life, please visit the donation page here:

THE BARRY OWEN GARDEN