We were saddened to hear about the recent passing of John Adkins, the charity’s first Garden Project Manager.
John played an integral part in the development of the charity, coming onboard in its infancy, alongside Richard Jackson and John Little, and making his mark immediately. John’s legacy includes the first Greenfingers garden at Demelza House Hospice, Sittingbourne, which is now the recipient of an additional Greenfingers garden space, 25 years later.
One person that has been alongside John throughout his time at Greenfingers and beyond, is his daughter, Carolyn Dando. She recalls his passion for his work: “After my father retired from PBi, he worked for the Greenfingers Charity designing and creating gardens in children's hospices all over the UK. He did this for over a decade and was so proud of the work they did and the amazing gardens that the children could benefit from.
“These designs included Teletubby hills with tunnels underneath, pirate ships and elephants to climb with sensory planting, raised beds, musical pipes and more. Up until he passed away, he remained grateful to Richard Jackson who gave him such a wonderful opportunity to play a pivotal role at a charity he loved.”
Talking about his friend and colleague, Richard Jackson, founder of the Greenfingers Charity, said: “John joined Greenfingers as a volunteer during a particularly challenging period and immediately made a difference. Within just three weeks he had organised a promotion that raised £10,000 for the charity! John had an enthusiastic ‘can – do’ attitude which he applied with great gusto whilst at Greenfingers and, over time, helped us transform many areas of the charity including the design and building of our gardens. During my time as chairman, his wise advice helped us in many of the key decisions we were making, and I always felt immensely grateful for his sound guidance. John made a huge contribution to our work.”
Sue Allen, current Chairman at Greenfingers added: “John was the very first person I spoke to regarding Greenfingers almost 25 years ago, when he was ringing around locally to get plants sorted for that first garden at Demelza. I was then on the management committee with him, and we always had a good laugh together. I know he always went above and beyond in everything he did in overseeing the projects, putting so much time and energy into it all. His contacts within the industry were amazing.”
The celebration of John’s life will take place in Sussex. If you wish to share your memories working with John, please contact carolyndando@hotmail.com
A JustGiving page has also been set up in John’s memory, with John’s family asking for donations in lieu of flowers. All money raised will be donated to Greenfingers Charity.
