Two years after his premature death from a brain tumour, Phill Piddell’s widow Louise gifted his hedge-laying tools to the South of England Hedge Laying Society.
Not only an excellent hedge cutter, Phill (pictured at the National Hedge Laying Championships at Pewsey in 2019), was a long-standing and enthusiastic Member and Committee Member of the Society, acting as Membership Secretary, Training Secretary, Annual Competition Organiser. He also set up and maintained the Society’s website.
The gift of his tools has inspired the South of England Hedge Laying Society to make a very welcome donation of £500 to Brain Tumour Research in Phill’s memory. Phill’s legacy will help find more effective treatments for brain tumour patients and ultimately help find a cure.
Matthew Beard, Treasurer at the South of England Hedge Laying Society, said: “Phill typified what it takes to be a good hedge cutter: always enthusiastic, determined and willing to take on a challenge. Unpicking and laying a difficult hedge can, at times, be daunting, but Phill always gave it a good go, whatever the circumstances. He was equally brave and determined when faced with his life-shortening illness and an example to us all.
“We all remember how Phill pulled together policies and procedures to ensure the Society functions as well as it does. For many in the Society, Phill would have been one of the first points of contact for new members. Without his diligence, efficiency and engagement, we would not have the membership we have today.
“Phill’s tools have not only raised a decent sum of money for Brain Tumour Research, they will continue to be used for hedge-laying by Members of the South of England Hedge Laying Society and so Phill’s legacy lives on.”
The charity is grateful to the South of England Hedge Laying Society for its generous donation.