‘Therapy gardens can be a game changer for mental health’
During the pandemic, Richard Claxton, a GP based in Kent, fell in love with gardening and its many health benefits
Dr Richard Claxton grew up as the son of an independent school teacher. While living in boarding schoolhouses he was, at one time, appointed house captain while his father was housemaster, an experience he describes as being far from a privilege and more like a punishment.
After training at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital medical school and qualifying, in 1996, he went on to specialise in paediatrics. During his preclinical training Claxton completed a psychology degree, and later trained in psychotherapy while at Guy’s. This early interest in mental health led to him volunteering for Aids charity the Terrence Higgins Trust.
Claxton was married and living in north London and was about to embark on the pathway to becoming a consultant when he decided to
