Green-fingered care home gardener awarded for dedication to residents

By Diana Morais

A gardener working at a care home said he was “incredibly proud” after winning a national award for his compassion.

Phil White, of Tooting Bec, was named winner of the Compassion Award category at this year’s Markel Third Sector Care Awards, for his work as a Gardener at Hammerson House Care Home, in Nightingale Lane, Clapham.

The 53-year-old said: “I’m incredibly proud to win the Compassion Award and to have had the opportunity to be among so many inspiring individuals and groups who make up the not-for-profit care sector.”

Judges awarded Mr White for the dedication he shows to each resident at the care home. Specifically, Mr White was praised for having recently taken a blind resident, Collette, around the home’s garden and describing the plants to her in detail and through other senses, including touch and smell.

Neil Galjaard, divisional managing director at Markel, said: “Every year, we are inspired by the incredible stories of how people and organisations across the UK make a real difference in people’s lives – and Phil is a shining example of doing just that.”

Now in its tenth year, the Markel Third Sector Care Awards are organised by Care Management Matters (CMM). The awards recognise individuals and organisations that have a significant impact in their communities within the not-for-profit sector – celebrating hard work, dedication, innovation and excellence.

Pictured top: Phil White (second from left) holding his Compassion Award certificate (Picture: Markel Care)