Our Stories
Incredible people’s stories and how Perennial was able to help them get back on their feet. Perennial helps people battling illness, financial hardship, bereavement, disability and many more of life’s challenges.
Simon's gardening career fell into place with our help
Career changer Simon was in his 50s when he made a big decision to return to his first love of gardening. He […]
We had Craig's back with physiotherapy
Craig was 31 when he put his back out. He’d worked in grounds maintenance for 10 years and had suffered from a […]
Our support saved Peter
When Peter, a Hampshire-based landscaper, called our helpline, he was struggling with significant business and personal debt. He was feeling very low, […]
Employment support creates better future for Chris
Redundancy came as a massive shock for Devon-based gardener Chris. In the space of a few short days his whole life was […]
A fresh start for stroke-survivor Pete
When Pete experienced a stroke, everything changed. Unable to manage his garden centre and nursery business and with the threat of bailiffs, […]
Helping Simone keep a warm home amid rising energy prices
When garden centre employee Simone’s* home energy company ceased trading, she was very concerned that her bills would go up after being […]
Housing help for retired horticulturist Nicholas
For horticulturist Nicholas, approaching retirement was a worrying time. Having spent his whole working life in the industry with accommodation provided by […]
Robert reflects on his relief at finding Perennial
Life for self-employed gardener Robert* has been tough over the last few years. A harsh Scottish winter in 2013 left him with […]
Supporting Stephen through his battle with cancer
For over 30 years, Yorkshireman Stephen dedicated his working life to gardening until he was diagnosed with cancer in his sixties. Undergoing […]
Housing help for Paul with long-term disability
For self-employed landscape gardener Paul, the onset of arthritis left him in severe pain, unable to work and his business devastated. With no money to afford the essentials he […]
Helping tree surgeon Yvette achieve her career ambition
Carving out a career as a tree surgeon has always been a dream for Berkshire-based Yvette, but unable to afford the required […]
Susie and her career flourishes with help from Perennial
Single mum of two, Susie, gave up her job as a town planner in 2009 to work as a gardener – a job which she […]
Crisis support for nurseryman Colin when coronavirus hit
The coronavirus has devastated the livelihoods of many in horticulture. For Colin, who runs an award-winning fuchsia nursery in North Wales, 2020 […]
Helping widower Paul take control of unexpected debt
Gardener and grandfather, Paul, was on the brink of despair following a family bereavement which left him struggling financially. He turned to […]
Stroke survivor Lesley hopeful for the future
Lesley* knows how it feels to hit rock bottom. When health problems forced the gardener and charity-worker to give up the job […]
Life-changing support for Head Gardener Martin and his family
Head gardener and father of two, Martin, and his wife have always worked hard to provide for their two small children. But […]
Helping Andy and his family find a way forward
Landscape gardener Andy Perry lost his leg after being bitten by a spider and developing sepsis. When he was at his lowest, […]
Jack has come full circle at York Gate
Jack Ogg is Senior Gardener at York Gate, Perennial’s garden near Leeds in Yorkshire. He was the garden's first trainee horticulturist and […]
Marek's & Ann Marie's story: watch our short film
Marek worked as a tree surgeon and conservation manager at a golf course before his accident. He had a young family, with a […]
Martin's Story - watch our short film
When Martin was struck down with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare auto-immune disease he was signed off work for three years. Barely able […]
Helping Sarah cope with cancer challenges
Sarah (aged 63) has been a self-employed garden designer for the past 12 years. After bringing up her child as a lone […]
A trusted friend for Catherine
Catherine* is 62 and has worked in horticulture for most of her life. She is currently unable to work due to severe anxiety […]
Helping Graham* and his family as he recovered from major surgery
Graham*, a self-employed garden contractor, was diagnosed with a rare eye condition that left him unable to work. He had undergone surgery […]
Perennial helps Dunkirk veteran stay independent
Raymond Whitwell was part of the rear guard at Dunkirk 80 years ago. Left on the beach when no boat came back […]
A Lifeline for Beryl After Bereavement
When Beryl’s husband, Maurice, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she desperately needed somewhere to turn for support and advice. A landscape gardener, Maurice […]
Barry Makes Every Second Count
In hospital for almost a year, he's paralysed from the shoulders down. Perennial has been there to help him on what's been […]
Helping Don* Get His Life Back on Track
Living alone and sinking into depression, he ignored the bills and his debts spiralled to such an extent that he was forced […]
