Volunteer wins prize – and new purpose in life

Rob Griffin lost his job as a set designer and it took him four months to find a flat in Leeds after he found himself homeless.

But that was six months ago, before the 39-year-old began volunteering with BTCV’s Hollybush Conservation Centre, in Kirkstall, Leeds, five days a week, which has given him a new purpose and new skills. He has transformed an area used as a junk yard into a vegetable patch and also co-ordinates other volunteers’ work.

His efforts have won him the BTCV Volunteer of the Year for the Yorkshire region and he is through to the national finals in November.

Mr Griffin said: “BTCV helped me totally change my outlook.

“I’m doing something worthwhile.”

He added: “I’ve always loved working with my hands and I’ve discovered gardening gives me a real sense of achievement.

“We’ve been putting out baskets of produce for people to take in return for a donation towards the costs of the centre – and seeing it put to good use has been really rewarding.”