Surprise party for retiring octogenarian gardeners

John and Sue Walker have been volunteering in the garden at Crisis House in Rushden since 2019

A husband and wife volunteer duo who are hanging up their gardening gloves have been thanked for their efforts at a surprise retirement party.

John and Sue Walker, aged 87 and 83 respectively, started volunteering in the garden at The Martins crisis house in Rushden, Northamptonshire, shortly before the 2019 lockdown.

In five years the couple have helped to turn the "empty space" into a "beautiful spot".

Mrs Walker said the pair were "very surprised" by the retirement bash.

John and Sue Walker are presented with gifts from the other volunteers and staff

Mr Walker said the space was originally "rough grass" with an ivy-covered fence but now is a "pleasant" garden.

Asked why they were retiring, Mr Walker replied: "I didn’t want to drop dead and leave [the other volunteers] in the lurch.

“I will miss the garden and the people a lot. It gives us a walk and is pleasant."

Mrs Walker added they would continue to visit to "make sure the others are doing things right."

John Walker says the highlights of volunteering in the garden were "meeting different people" and being out in the "fresh air"

'Indispensable'

The Martins provides a safe environment for people who are suffering crisis situations which impacts on their mental health.

Support worker Gary Allebone said the "beautiful spot" tended by Mr and Mrs Walker "helps people... in a dark moment" reflect on their future and realise it is "bright".

He described the duo as "indispensable" and that they would leave a lasting legacy.

Mr Allebone added: "It will be difficult to replace them. They deserve this moment so much."