When Gill died aged 75 following a fall at home, she left a garage full of gardening books and items collected and lovingly used over decades to be sold for charity.
The items were sold at the Hollin Lane allotments, and the money raised donated to Thrive, as gardening for health was important to Gill, who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and had bouts of mental ill health.
'People were really generous,’ said Jenny Ward, who organised the sale. 'Gardening for Gill was a creative and therapeutic escape from her ongoing personal issues.
Gill was not only an amazing gardener, but she was incredibly knowledgeable and way ahead of her time
Jenny Ward, friend
'Gill was not only an amazing gardener, but she was incredibly knowledgeable and way ahead of her time regarding organic and companion planting. She won loads of awards from local horticultural societies and was viewed as one of the best gardeners in Leeds even by professional gardeners.'
Stacey Lewis, Thrive’s Fundraising Manager, said: 'Gardening and its health benefits were such an important part of Gill’s life and we’re grateful that this generous donation recognises this and seeks to help people on our programmes.’
If you would like to give in memory of a loved one or friend to support Thrive, find out more here.
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