Growing up on a farm and market garden in Northern Ireland, Deborah entered the field from a young age and then went on to join the Ulster Defence Regiment CGC. Following injuries sustained in terrorist attacks, Deborah was medically discharged. Years later, she sought support for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through Combat Stress. It was at Hollybush House in Ayrshire - surrounded by nature - that Deborah began to restore her wellbeing.
Deeply grateful for the support she received and motivated to help fellow veterans facing similar challenges, Deborah was compelled to complete a BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Counselling. She then volunteered at the Walled Garden at Colebrooke Estate, Co. Fermanagh, one of two Hub gardens in Northern Ireland for the Defence Gardens Scheme (DGS), and this is how her journey to delivering STH began.
Learning at Thrive and delivering STH with the DGS has enabled me to continue to heal myself and inspire others facing similar challenges.
“Working alongside the head gardener, I gained valuable experience that led to an invitation from DGS founder Sally Coulthard MBE to assist with a ten-week therapeutic gardening programme at Ashes to Gold. I went on to lead four courses at this site.”
Deborah delivered the first ever DGS programme in a prison setting - specifically for veterans in the Justice System within HMP Maghaberry, a Category A facility. “To date, we’ve completed three programmes with another in progress and are proud of the positive impact on participants’ wellbeing.”
She also taught horticulture at a DGS Spoke Garden at Aldergrove Flying Station, guiding military families in growing, storing, and cooking their own food. Many continue these practices at home or on local allotments, creating lasting impact.
As part of the Diploma in STH at Thrive, Deborah developed a wellbeing garden for the Somme Nursing Home. “Inspired by trench maps of Thiepval Wood and the language of flowers, the garden symbolises the attributes of service men and women. Using skills acquired on the course, I also contributed to a successful £30,000 funding application to the Veterans’ Foundation to support the garden’s construction.”
Most recently in spring 2025, Deborah applied her studies and with the support of the DGS National Operations Manager, she led a voluntary ten-week horticultural programme at the Somme Nursing Home’s DGS spoke garden. “I worked with veterans with varied limitations including blindness and neurological impairments. Their participation enriched my learning and supported my journey to becoming a fully qualified STH practitioner. There was very positive feedback from the veterans who enjoyed learning horticulture and the social engagement during the short course.”
Learning at Thrive and delivering STH with the DGS has enabled Deborah to use gardening and nature to support herself and others facing similar challenges.
