Thrive

"Thrive began as the Society for Horticultural Therapy and Rural Training in Frome in 1978, set up by Chris Underhill, a young horticulturist inspired by his work with people with learning disabilities and his voluntary service in Africa.

"Chris was supported by, amongst others, Dr Geoffrey Udall, a paediatrician who became the founding Chairman.

"In the mid 1980s the organisation widened its scope and took over the gardening service from the Disabled Living Foundation and a public garden in Battersea Park, which was the first demonstration garden in the UK created specifically for people with a disability. In 1989 the Reverend Dr Geoffrey Udall bequeathed his family’s estate and three acre walled garden at Beech Hill, near Reading, to the charity which is our national headquarters and our flagship garden.

"The charity became Thrive in 1998 and before his death, the Reverend Dr Geoffrey Udall made provision for us in his will, and this bequest continues to be instrumental in enabling Thrive to bring the benefits of gardening to increasing numbers of disabled people."  

• Chief Executive: Kathryn Rossiter
• Deputy Chief Executive: Susan Stuart

Trustees

Accessed May 2013:  

• Richard Bagley (Chairman)
• Chris D'Olley MRICS FAAV (Vice Chairman)
• Robert Hillier OBE, VMH (Vice Chairman)
• Nick Bouras
• Prunella Scarlett LVO
• Stephen Davies
• Lin Conway
• Anna Quenby
• Rory Mackenzie

Patrons

Accessed May 2013:

Thrive is grateful for the support of HRH Princess Alexandra as Patron of the charity. Our other Patrons are:

• Mary Bayliss JP
• David Blunkett MP
• Christine Cohen OBE
• Baroness Fookes of Plymouth DBE, DL
• June Parkinson
• Anna Piper Nye
• Louise Robinson
• Baroness Royall of Blaisdon PC
• William J. Simpson MBE
• Baroness Thomas of Winchester MBE
• Sir Richard Thompson KCVO
• Brian Donohoe MP

Contact

  Web: http://www.thrive.org.uk