His mission began after a close friend tragically took his own life. Chris was inspired to do more to improve mental health on the Isle of Wight, and to raise money for a cause so close to his heart.
Since his teenage years, Chris has taken on masses of fundraising challenges, including sponsored runs, and even appearing on the BBC dressed as a chipmunk. But it’s his work with recycled planters that has really got him noticed.
For the past few years, Chris has kept himself busy building beautiful garden planters from discarded pallets and you’d be hard pressed to find a corner of the Isle of Wight without one!
Using pallets donated from the industrial estate, Chris has crafted over 2,000 garden planters, any unused wood is passed to the local pub for their fire – nothing goes to waste. Chris donates the planters to residents, charities and businesses far and wide, and in return, many happy recipients make a donation to the Samaritans.
Chris, who openly shares his own struggles with anxiety, stress, and depression, says that helping others boosts his own mental health. His efforts have earned him numerous awards across national, community, TV, and radio platforms. His room is filled with trophies and certificates, the latest being his Pride of Britain runner-up trophy.
Reflecting on the honour, Chris said: “I was amazed to be nominated and very pleased to get runner up. I didn’t win the big one but there’s always next year. I’ll just have to try harder, cheer up more people and make more planters!”
And he’s not stopping anytime soon. Chris has set himself an ambitious goal: to create 100,000 planters. With requests now coming from across the UK, and even Spain, we think he just might achieve it.
Donate to Chris's page.
