Menu
Donate

Celebrity supporters visit the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024

21 May 2024
Lisa Riley, Richard Arnold and Katherine Holland sitting together in the Grief Kind Garden

Sue Ryder Ambassadors Lisa Riley and Richard Arnold were joined by TV presenter, Kate Garraway, as the first visitors to the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 Press Day.

The Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden has been designed by Katherine Holland and is generously sponsored by Project Giving Back, the unique grant-giving charity that funds gardens for good causes at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

ITV Emmerdale star and Sue Ryder Ambassador, Lisa Riley said:

“I am proud to be supporting the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden in my ambassador role. Roses were my mum’s favourite flower and often trigger sensory memories of my wonderful mum and feelings of grief. This garden will provide a safe space for people to talk about and acknowledge these tough moments.

“I hope the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden will not only help those who are grieving, but also provide a framework of understanding for those who are supporting someone who has been bereaved, by raising awareness of what good grief support looks like.”

TV presenter Kate Greenaway in the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden

The Sue Ryder Ambassadors were quickly followed by TV presenter, Kate Garraway, who visited the garden alongside her parents.

TV presenter, Kate Garraway said:

“When I heard about the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden and the wider Grief Kind campaign, I thought how wonderful it is. Everyone reacts to grief differently and I am very much in the early stages of mine with Derek, but there is no doubt we all would benefit from understanding grief more and being kind to those going through bereavement.

“I hope this garden encourages everyone to be Grief Kind and help us all to support each other better and raise awareness of the bereavement support available through Sue Ryder.”

Queen Camilla and garden designer Katherine Holland, walking together through the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden

Credit: RHS/Matt Pereira

The Press Day concluded with a short visit from Queen Camilla to the garden, which she described as ‘so peaceful and lovely.’

The Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden will remain at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show until Saturday for visitors to experience its beauty and serenity for themselves.

Following the show, the garden will be relocated in its entirety to Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Bedford. Its new location will provide a long-lasting legacy, as a dedicated space for grieving. It will be able to accommodate varying mobility needs and offer a place of solace for hospice staff, patients, their families and the local community.

Vote for the garden in the BBC / RHS People's Choice Award

Every year, the public can vote for their favourite gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The winning gardens will be awarded a highly sought-after BBC / RHS People's Choice Award.

Just a moment of your time could help us win this award and share our Grief Kind message to make sure no one has to face death or grief alone.

Vote for the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden

To vote for us, visit the RHS website and select the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden in the ‘Sanctuary Gardens and All About Plants’ category.

Share this page

Do you know someone who would find this helpful?

Maria Savoskula's photo of the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden, with a table and chairs surrounded by flowers and plants
Sue Ryder at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024
The aim of the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden was to start conversations around grief at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024..
A woman stands behind a punchbag in the gym, smiling at her friend
Grief Kind
With the right help, we can learn to live with grief. Find out how Sue Ryder can help you to become Grief Kind and support people you care about who are coping with grief.