The new Chairman, Boyd Douglas-Davies is a longstanding supporter of the Greenfingers Charity and founder of the charity’s successful Garden Re-Leaf Day annual fundraising event. His vision for the future is clear – to create more beautiful and therapeutic gardens for children in hospices across the UK and provide essential on-going maintenance and makeovers for existing projects. However, this mission will require continued financial support from the industry, the public, and partners, and he will continue to be involved in the ongoing programme of fundraising events to support this.
Boyd Douglas-Davies brings with him a renewed sense of purpose. His vision focuses on expanding Greenfingers’ work – creating more gardens and supporting more hospices with makeovers and re-freshes. he is keenly aware of the importance of gardens in providing therapeutic value, especially for over 100,000 children and their families who are in the UK’s hospice system.
Douglas-Davies said: “Hospices are under enormous pressure to fund the essential care provided within their walls and that’s where Greenfingers steps in. We’re the only charity dedicated to creating therapeutic outdoor spaces for children’s hospices and, with the support of our partners and the public, we can continue to make a difference.”
With Greenfingers’ 25th anniversary finale coming next year, the new chairman’s focus is not only on celebrating past achievements, but also looking ahead to the next milestone – 30 years of transforming gardens at children’s hospices. To continue this work, the charity needs ongoing support from the industry, corporate partners, as well as the wider community.
“We’ve achieved so much over the past 25 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, but we need to keep going. We’re calling on everyone to continue backing Greenfingers, whether that’s by participating in Garden Re-Leaf Day, attending the Floral Ball, or partnering with us for a mutually beneficial experience”, confirmed Douglas-Davies.
Sue Allen’s legacy
During her time as Chairman, Sue Allen has been instrumental in driving the charity forward through challenging times, most notably steering Greenfingers through the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership also saw the launch of the Greenfingers garden maintenance programme, which ensures the gardens remain welcoming and rejuvenating spaces for children and their families and carers.
Amongst her many notable achievements are the ‘Brave the Shave’ which saw Sue and her daughter, Tammy Woodhouse, raise over £20,000 by shaving their heads, as well as her role in securing a £20,000 legacy through a conversation at the Worshipful Company of Gardeners. Under Sue’s leadership, Millbrook Garden Centre’s support via the Pennies initiative and in-store fundraising events also proved invaluable.
Allen’s commitment during her time as Chair has been unwavering, travelling across the country to attend garden openings, Greenfingers events, and industry gatherings – barely missing any in her efforts to promote the charity and its work.
Allen said: “It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Greenfingers Charity, and I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together over the last five years. I am confident that Boyd will lead Greenfingers with the same enthusiasm and drive, and I look forward to supporting him and the charity as a Trustee. My thanks go to everyone who has supported me during my tenure, and I encourage everyone to continue their great support of the vital work Greenfingers does.”
Greenfingers also announced that Colin Wetherley-Mein has retired from the board after a period of exceptional service to the charity. His connections within the gardening industry, particularly through GIMA, have opened many doors for Greenfingers over the years. Rob Jones, meanwhile, stepped down after the completion of his tenure. Jones’s contribution as a Trustee and Chair of Greenfingers’ Garden Committee has been invaluable. His guidance and support have helped shape numerous garden projects, and his enthusiastic fundraising, particularly through Garden Re-Leaf Day, has made a lasting impact. David Carey has been announced as the charity’s newest Trustee. Carey brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for horticulture, making him a valuable addition to the team.