Celebrity Thrive supporters

Thrive's work has gained the support of well-known people from the gardening world and beyond. Here are some of Thrive's ambassadors:

What Alan Titchmarsh says about Thrive….

I'm a great supporter of Thrive, and their work.

Gardening is great as a therapy, and Thrive sees first hand how gardening can help everyone, regardless of age or disability.

The horticultural therapists at Thrive's garden projects ensure that all the gardeners have the very best chance of making the most of their situation.

They might be blind or partially sighted, recovering from a stroke or heart problems, have dementia or learning difficulties, but they will all experience the mood boosting power of gardening.

Their stories are inspirational and heart warming, with remarkable outcomes.

Thrive is the only national charity of its kind in the UK and its vital work makes a difference to disabled people throughout the country who may attend structured projects at Thrive's gardens or in the community, or have made use of the charity's websites and publication service.

I hope that you will support Thrive's work in 2011, and help them make a real difference to disabled people's lives.

Thank you.

Alan Titchmarsh

Monty Don

A supporter of Thrive since 2003, Monty's experience of depression and seasonal affective disorder mean he has a very personal understanding of how gardening can help.

"I am delighted that Thrive's wonderful work is to be on display at Chelsea Flower Show this year. Millions of people know that gardens are not only beautiful but also inspire and heal. No one understands this better than Thrive".

Read Monty Don's article written in support of Thrive for The Times newspaper. Photo credit: Ari Ashley for The Times newspaper.

Pippa Greenwood

Pippa has supported Thrive since 2007 and she endorses Thrive's National Blind Gardeners' Club, which has benefited greatly from her involvement.

Pippa is helping to launch Thrive's new Plant Swap events which will raise funds to send boxes of ready-to-grow plants direct to disabled people's homes.

Read Pippa Greenwood's article written for Thrive in the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show Charity Gala souvenir brochure. Photo credit: Sarah Heneghan.

Sally Brampton

Sally Brampton is a journalist and novelist. She is also a depressive, and in the past has become so ill that she has twice attempted suicide. Gardening helped Sally and her appreciation of Thrive's work was recorded in a film made for The Times' website in 2008.

"I just think what Thrive does is absolutely fantastic. I’ve always thought with Thrive that there is a feeling of real acceptance about people and their differences and it brings people together, that’s just wonderful..."

Read a transcript of Sally's interview

Maggie Philbin

"You do such wonderful work [at Thrive], it's been a real honour to come and meet everyone and reflect some of your efforts on radio. You make a real difference to people's lives and as a keen gardener I can understand why it's so powerful."

Maggie has presented her live drivetime show on BBC Radio Berkshire from the Thrive Trunkwell Garden Project near Reading.

Maggie interviewed Thrive disabled gardeners and found stroke survivor Ian Rickman's story particularly moving as

Brian Blessed

"I fully understand how Thrive's work helps disabled people - I cannot live without my garden! It is the heart and soul of my life. It is full of trees, shrubs and thousands of dazzling flowers, flowers that smile at me as I bestow caresses and kisses on them.

"It is my belief that every flower enjoys the air that it breaths! Every blessed living moment I can find – I am in my garden."

Brian Blessed trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School before beginning a distinguished and varied career, which has encompassed all media. Brian is now one of this country’s best known and most highly respected actors an author and adventurer.

Silvena Rowe

A celebrated Ottoman-Bulgarian chef, BBC TV presenter and food writer, Silvena contributes to British food magazines and newspapers as well as international publications. She has a passion for using all kinds of flowers in her cooking – from rose petals and hibiscus, to thyme and chive flowers.

Silvena was inspired by Thrive’s work: "Thrive gardeners grow, cook and eat produce from their garden, and you can see how it can help improve their lives. There is nothing quite like using flowers in food – going into the garden and picking Nasturtiums and fresh herbs for a salad. Food truly for all the senses, light and healthy, fantastic. All my best wishes for your fantastic garden at the Chelsea Flower Show!"

Christopher Bradley-Hole

"The work of Thrive is amazing in the way that it helps people through gardening. I know very well what a help gardening can be in boosting confidence and making life more pleasurable and the work of Thrive is hugely important and impressive. I am very excited that Thrive will be at Chelsea this year and I am really looking forward to seeing their garden."

Christopher heads up Christopher Bradley-Hole Landscape, a design consultancy at the leading edge of landscape and garden designs. He also teaches landscape design to students at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and is author of a book on contemporary garden design. Photo credit: Andrew Lawson.

Christine Walkden

"I fully acknowledge the tremendous work, support and huge encouragement Thrives gives to many people in the community who are experiencing difficult times due to health issues. I have known this organisation for well over 20 years and have worked with them in the past to help people who have diabilities so am aware first hand of the quality and attention to detail all of Thrive's staff give to people in their care."

Christine is a gardener and horticulturist and uses her expert knowledge and skills working as a lecturer and trainer, tour leader and guide, broadcaster, writer and photographer.

Did you know?

Did you know that Thrive's training department can create a bespoke training course in a wide range of subjects to meet your organisation's needs? We have extensive experience of working in many different areas including healthcare, hospices, local government and housing associations.
Find out more about Thrive's bespoke training