Rachel knew that she had to enter the competition when she saw that the values of the Olympic Movement were so closely linked to those of her chosen career of Occupational Therapy. One of the founder members of the Olympic Movement realised that physical exercise is the best way to prevent illness. This is echoed by Occupational Therapists who understand that meaningful and purposeful activity can enable people with limitations or impairments to participate in everyday life.
Excellence, friendship and respect are the three core values of Olympism.
EXCELLENCE
Striving to be and do our best in our daily lives and benefiting from the healthy combination of a strong body, mind and will.
FRIENDSHIP
Inspiring people to overcome the differences between themselves and others and to forge friendships in spite of those differences.
RESPECT
Respect for oneself and one's body, respect for one another, for the rules as well as for the environment.
A further link to the Olympics is that Rachel's husband Roy is an avid athletics fan! He went to the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona which saw Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell, amongst others, win gold medals.
In Rachel's garden design the achievements of British Olympic Gold Medallists are celebrated. Their names and events are inscribed and also written in Braille onto circular, gold-coloured plaques which are embedded within the wall of the raised bed. As a legacy for future generations, the spiral bed can be extended and subsequent Olympians' achievements can be similarly recognised.