Full Breakdown
Essex Gardener Grows Giant Pumpkin for Charity at RHS Malvern Show
9/7/2026, 3:22:35 AM
Charity Pumpkin Grows for RHS Show
Ben White, a 37-year-old amateur gardener from Maldon, Essex, is cultivating a giant pumpkin he has named Gladys. The vegetable, which he is documenting on social media, is being grown for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Malvern Autumn Show scheduled for the last weekend of September. White’s aim is to raise funds for the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance charity while competing in the RHS giant-pumpkin category later this month.
Background: RHS Competition and Fundraising Goal
The RHS Malvern Autumn Show includes a long-standing giant-pumpkin competition that draws growers from across the United Kingdom. Participants often use the event to promote charitable causes; White has chosen the regional air-ambulance service as the beneficiary of his fundraising effort. By sharing progress updates online, he hopes to attract donations as the pumpkin approaches its final size.
Pumpkin Size and Records
As of the latest update, Gladys weighs approximately 1,200 lb (544 kg) and continues to grow. This makes the pumpkin comparable in mass to a small car, though it remains under half the weight of the current Guinness World Record holder. The record is held by twins Stuart and Ian Paton of Lymington, Hampshire, whose pumpkin reached 2,819 lb (1,278 kg) in October 2025.
Impact and Fundraising Outlook
White’s public documentation is intended to generate awareness and contributions for the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. While exact donation totals have not been disclosed, the combination of a high-profile horticultural contest and a charitable appeal is expected to draw significant public interest. The final competition at the RHS Malvern Autumn Show will provide a culminating moment for both the pumpkin’s growth and the fundraising campaign.
