At the Greenfingers Charity Annual General Meeting on 31st October, a significant leadership transition took place. Sue Allen, who has been the driving force behind the charity during her tenure as Chairman, stepped down from the role. Sue, however, will continue to serve the charity as a dedicated Trustee for another year.
Taking up the reins as the new Chairman is Boyd Douglas-Davies, a longstanding supporter of Greenfingers and the founder of the hugely successful Garden Re-Leaf Day annual fundraising event. Boyd’s 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 Boyd will continue to be involved in the ongoing programme of fundraising events to support this.
Celebrating Sue’s legacy
During her time as Chairman, Sue 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.
Among Sue’s 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.
Sue’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.
Talking at the AGM, Sue Allen said: “Talking at the AGM, Sue 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."
Boyd’s vision for Greenfingers’ future
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. Boyd 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.
Boyd emphasised: “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.”
A warm hello and heartfelt goodbyes
Greenfingers bid a fond farewell to two long-standing members of its Board. Colin Wetherley-Mein has retired 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. Rob’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. From leading garden blitzes to workshops, Rob has gone above and beyond to raise funds for the charity. The charity looks forward to Rob’s continued support, from the sidelines.
Greenfingers is delighted to welcome David Carey as the newest Trustee. David brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for horticulture, making him a valuable addition to the team.
Looking Ahead: 25 Years of the Greenfingers Charity
With Greenfingers' 25th anniversary finale coming next year, Boyd’s focus is not only on celebrating past achievements, he is 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.
Boyd concluded, “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.”
Get involved!
As Greenfingers embarks on this next chapter, supporters are encouraged to get involved in a host of forthcoming fundraising activities. Join the Greenfingers Charity for Garden Re-Leaf Day (21st March 2025), attend the Floral Ball (26th June 2025), or reach out to the team to explore partnership opportunities. Together, we can make a lasting impact to the lives of children and families in hospices across the UK.
