Our team

Chair

I stopped working in law reform in 2013 and retrained in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. What a revelation – I realised I love working with plants and people and I wanted to make the benefits of nature accessible to as many people as possible. I became aware that there were several small groups in Reading doing great things and thought how great it could be if we pull together. That was the idea that started the Reading Green Wellbeing Network.

Treasurer

Having donated time in the Reading voluntary sector for nearly two decades and being a founder of two Reading charities, I immediately grasped the wisdom and need for the Reading Green Wellbeing Network. It has been a privilege to join, initially as a member and later as Treasurer, and be part of a community-focused, compassionate team, working to deliver nature-derived health for all the community.

Secretary

I joined Reading Green Wellbeing Network as secretary in November 2023 on retiring from a career in medical communication. I had long been a frustrated gardener. On retirement I took up volunteering in several community gardens, all members of the network, and soon realised that it was working in my garden and allotment that had enabled me to manage the stresses of my career. I now seek to share and help others find the joy of growing plants.

Newsletter editor

I am a paediatrician at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and father of three by background. I joined the Reading Green Wellbeing Network in 2022 after being a regular volunteer with British Islamic Gardens, developing and maintaining the Aisha Masjid community garden. As a doctor, I see the damaging impacts of social isolation and physical inactivity and feel that green activities like those promoted by the RGWN can help remedy this, especially for the most vulnerable in our community. 

Social Media Editor

I joined the Reading Green Wellbeing Network as Social Media Editor in April 2024, whilst studying English Literature with Creative Writing at the University of Reading. At the time, I was a volunteer at Ridgeline Trust, a therapeutic gardening charity and member of the network. Gaining an understanding of the importance of community and therapeutic gardening made me want to promote similar projects in the area. This led me to my current role where I combine my passion for gardening with my love for writing.