The Pitch
Happy faces after the presentation
PGB PRESENTATION
How It All Began
Almost a year ago, in January 2024, we were delighted to be invited to present our shortlisted design to the inspiring team at Project Giving Back—the charitable body sponsoring a select number of gardens at RHS Chelsea for its fifth and final year.
From an initial field of 120 applicants, just 17 teams were shortlisted. Statistically, we had a one-in-three chance of success—no pressure at all.
Determined to leave nothing to chance, we refined and rehearsed our presentation extensively, testing it in front of trusted journalist colleagues. We commissioned a beautifully produced brochure for the panel to take away and were proud to be joined by representatives from both our A+LUK charity partner, James Culling, and the garden’s ultimate home in Rotherham, Breathing Space. With us were Jacqui Pollington, Ann and Paul Milner, whose presence brought the project’s purpose vividly to life.
As Jacqui reflects, “This was an important day in the life of a retired nurse who, after a lifetime of caring for others, now finds herself disabled by lung disease. For Ann and Paul, it marked the first time in four years they had felt confident enough to travel by train—always fearful that their oxygen equipment might fail.”
Paul & Ann Milner heading to London
Nervous faces ahead of the presentation.
With great relief, the day proved a resounding success. Ann was central to the pitch, and her contribution held the judging panel spellbound—quite literally—when her oxygen machine alarm sounded mid-speech. We presented our vision with conviction, clarity, and flair, and then departed to await the panel’s decision.
