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Volunteer Gardener of the Year Award
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2024 Winner: David Waughman, St Columba’s Hospice Care
This award was given to David Waughman (pictured, right), a volunteer gardener at St Columba’s Hospice Care in Edinburgh, in recognition of the enthusiasm and passion with which he has embraced the role of Compassionate Gardener, and made the Compassionate Gardener programme such a success. He has made a positive impact on the lives of those to whose gardens he has provided tender loving care; forming bonds of friendship with the husbands around a shared love of gardening and continuing to help the wives, after the deaths of their husbands, reconnect with their gardens.
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2023 Winner: Graham Stone, Thames Hospice
Graham has gone beyond his gardening role, playing an important part in the hospice’s outpatient services, facilitating therapeutic gardening activities for patients and offering companionship.
He also works with the local community holding workshops with schools, and is a regular speaker about the work of the hospice and its gardens, helping to raise awareness and secure financial donations. The Awards Panel agreed Graham’s commitment and impact are outstanding.
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2022 Winner: Arthur Walkiden (Posthumous), Pilgrims Hospice, Thanet
Arthur was a part of Pilgrims Hospice from its opening 30 years ago and showed incredible commitment and dedication to creating and shaping a garden that is a haven for patients and their loved ones as well as staff and volunteers. He was a true ambassador for both garden volunteers and volunteering in general and well-liked and respected by his fellow volunteers and staff at Pilgrims Hospice.
Judges commented, “we feel Arthur is deserving of the award in recognition of the significant difference he made to the development and care of the hospice garden over 30 years. He demonstrated strong values and commitment, shared knowledge and passion, inspired and encouraged others”.
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2021 Winner: Janet Walker, St Gemma’s Hospice, Leeds
Having volunteered for over 15 years, Janet is a much valued member of the team, helping to lead volunteers and is instrumental in the annual Open Gardens event.
The Open Gardens event which had to be held virtually in 2020 was a success, with a large part of that due to Janet, who filmed a virtual tour of her own garden, with gardening tips to support the event.
In the height of lockdown, Janet continued to look after the hospice gardens with her own tools. Janet’s compassion extends beyond the gardens and can often be seen chatting to patients, families and making cups of tea if needed.
