A Northumberland Army veteran and his wife have scooped a prestigious national gardening award – and are using their success to thank SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, which helped them make a fresh start.
Jean and Rebecca Reno, from Morpeth, have been named winners of the GARDENA Top of the Plots Award 2026, celebrated at Blenheim Palace, in recognition of their gardening achievements.
But behind their award-winning garden in Morpeth, lies a personal story of military service, life-changing injury and gratitude to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Jean served for 18 years in the British Army, reaching the rank of Sergeant with 47 Royal Artillery in air defence.
His military career came to an abrupt end following a serious car crash while off duty in Basra, Iraq, which left him with a traumatic brain injury. He was flown home following the accident.
Years later, as Jean and Rebecca prepared to relocate from Portsmouth to Northumberland, SSAFA stepped in to help the couple make a new beginning.
On 17 December 2018, exactly 13 years after Jean’s life-changing injury, the couple moved to Morpeth with financial assistance from SSAFA towards their relocation costs.
It was a gesture of support they have never forgotten. Today, the couple are giving something back through their love of gardening.
In 2025, Jean and Rebecca opened their garden to visitors for the first time through the National Garden Scheme, raising money for SSAFA. They continued their fundraising efforts in 2026, raising more than £290 for the charity.
And they have pledged to keep supporting the organisation that helped them when they needed it.
Their latest achievement, winning the GARDENA Top of the Plots Award 2026 at Blenheim Palace, marks another proud chapter in their story.
Jean and Rebecca said:
“We have never forgotten the help SSAFA gave us when we moved. Opening our garden and raising money is our way of saying thank you and helping other members of the Armed Forces community who might need support.”
Caroline Pryer, Chair of SSAFA Northumberland Branch, said:
“Jean and Rebecca’s story is a wonderful example of the lasting difference that a little practical support can make to someone’s life.
“SSAFA was there to help them begin a new chapter, and it is incredibly touching that they have chosen to give something back through their beautiful garden.
“We are delighted to hear of their award-winning success and enormously grateful for their continued generosity. Their fundraising will help us support other members of the Armed Forces community when they need us most.”
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, provides practical, emotional and financial support to serving personnel, veterans and their families, helping them navigate life’s challenges long after military service has ended.
