Personal Stories
Perennial helps over 1,600 people each year battling illness, financial hardship, bereavement, disability and many more of life’s challenges. Here we share some of their incredible stories and explain how Perennial was able to help them get back on their feet.
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 […]
