Michelle Garrity
1969-2020
Founder of Get Up and Grow
It was Michelle’s vision and forward thinking that led her to set up Get Up and Grow. Her own experience with growing and horticulture made her to realise that what had helped her, would help others too. Michelle was passionate about horticultural therapy and wanted to reach out and share the benefits with others.After successfully gaining a specialised post-graduate qualification in horticulture ( for which she gained the annual award for the most outstanding student), Michelle knew that the best way to share her vision, would be to set up a community enterprise. Michelle already had a thriving business and used her acumen to create a community enterprise to help the people and places that meant so much to her.
Michelle was busy building a business at the forefront of horticultural therapy, establishing a reputation for delivering quality accessible, participant-focused courses, when cancer stole her life in 2020. Michelle’s family and friends remain bereft and a light has stopped shining.
Hayley continues to grow the business and reach out to more and more people in different ways. The legacy of the Get Up and Grow name and core values have been shaped by charitable partnerships and funding organisations to spread the word and open up the benefits of horticultural therapy. Community, learning and sharing are intrinsic to the Get Up and Grow story and ensures that Michelle’s vision of a happier and healthier world flourishes.
After all, all you have to do is get up and grow.