A man who has dedicated his life to helping others is about to spread his generosity even further.

Samuel Lynch, 71, has started a new vegetable garden that will help to feed those in Bermuda who are in need.

Having secured a private patch of land in Flatts Village, Mr Lynch is now looking forward to harvesting the first crops in the next few weeks which will include tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, onions, beans and cabbages.

Asking for nothing in return, Mr Lynch just wants those who receive the vegetables, including those with mental challenges and the elderly, to enjoy the fruits of his labour. He is also supplying the owner of the private plot with some produce for letting him use the space.

Mr Lynch, who is involved in the Willing Workers of Bermuda charity, said: “I try to help people who don’t have much of the wealth of this world. This garden is to help the community, for example the Hope Homes and people in need such as the elderly.

“The reason that I did this garden is because we are what we eat. Gardening is one of the ways I can help people and give back. I started a garden at Teen Haven and I thought, why stop at that?

“Our first parents, they were gardeners and because of that we recognise that planting fruits and vegetables, it helps us to sustain life and do everything that is possible under the sun. You will know that most of the drugs and pills are derived from plants.

“All my life I have been helping out — I was brought up in the church. I go to different parts of the world on mission trips to orphanages and hospitals, etc. We have been to Africa many times, the Caribbean, US and England for many years.”

Mr Lynch believes there is potential for more people to grow their own produce in Bermuda which will help to make the island more self-sufficient.

He added: “If you are going to depend on imports you are going to be in trouble if everything is shut off. Each country should be able to feed itself. It is not the best soil in Bermuda but you can use organic soil made from refuse from the kitchen — compost — and also chicken manure and soil from the dump is good.

“It is good for Bermuda’s environment.”