Heartbreaking news: Gardeners’ World star d!es from tragic illness
The BBC presenter paid a touching tribute after receiving heartbreaking news.
Monty Don’s tribute as Gardeners’ World contributor d!es after incurable disease (Image: BBC)
BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don paid a heartfelt tribute to the chairmain of David Austin Roses, saying he left a legacy of “millions of exquisite roses that will live on”.
David J.C. Austin sadly died at his Shropshire home aged 67 after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and incurable neurological condition that causes brain damage which worsens rapidly over time.
The rose grower and Gardeners’ World had a long history of collaboration, with experts from the Shropshire-based nursery regularly featured on the show, in the magazine, and at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live events.
Tributes have poured in for David, with presenter Monty, leading the tributes. “I am so sorry to hear this. My regards and condolences to all his family,” the Gardeners’ World presenter said.
David Austin was one of Britain’s leading gardeners (Image: Getty)
“But what legacy he leaves – millions of exquisite roses that will live on for so many, enriching all our lives.”
Born in 1958, David joined the Albrighton-based family business in 1990, which was founded by his father, David C. H. Austin.
He chaired the company for the past three decades.
David’s three children, Richard, James and Olivia, paid tribute to their father in an emotional statement.
David Austin was a rose grower and chariman of David Austin Roses (Image: BBC Gardeners’ World Live)
It read: “First and foremost, dad was a gardener.
“He carried our grandfather’s vision with humility and an unwavering sense of responsibility, always putting the roses, the family business and its people before himself.”
They described him as “kind” and “modest” with a “playful spirit”.
“He faced his illness with the same courage and dignity that he brought to life,” they added.
“Above all, he was our dad, and words cannot express how much we will miss him. We couldn’t be more proud of him.”
