The recent GIMA Awards provided the stage for GIMA President, Kate Ebbens, to unveil an inspiring new fundraising challenge for 2025 in support of Greenfingers Charity. Building on her ambitious commitment to run every day throughout 2024, Kate challenged the gardening and horticultural industry to join forces to complete a 650-mile journey. This route symbolically connects the Greenfingers HQ in Buckinghamshire to Coombe Abbey in Coventry – the venue for the charity’s 25th Anniversary Floral Ball – while “virtually” passing through four of the hospices that will benefit from Greenfingers gardens next year.
The 650-mile distance thoughtfully incorporates virtual stops at Acorns Children’s Hospice, Walsall, Hope House in Oswestry, Bluebell Wood in Sheffield, and Chestnut Tree House in Arundel, celebrating the incredible impact of Greenfingers gardens on these hospices.
Participants can tackle the challenge individually or as part of a team, with the freedom to run, cycle, swim, or walk to clock up the miles. Whether it’s committing to two miles a day, accumulating miles with longer efforts across the year, or taking on the challenge in a single epic weekend, the possibilities are endless. One thing is certain - this challenge promises to be an unforgettable collective effort for an exceptional cause.
During her address at the GIMA Awards, Kate shared what motivates her to keep running, saying: “Whenever I struggle to find the energy or time to run, I think about those families, and that fuels my determination to keep going and to keep raising money. Knowing that every early morning run in the rain, every moment I feel like I can’t continue, is helping children who face life-limiting conditions puts everything into perspective. Their challenges remind me of how small my own struggles are, and it’s all I need to keep pushing forward. I hope that tonight others will be moved by this sentiment as I have a challenge for you.”
Kate’s words struck a chord with the audience, as Greenfingers Charity called on industry members to step out of their comfort zones and join her in making a difference in the year ahead.
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, added: “Kate’s grit and determination are truly inspiring. Her efforts have raised vital funds and shone a spotlight on the work Greenfingers does for children and families facing unimaginable challenges. We’re so excited to see who will step up to take on the challenge in 2025. Together, we can not only hit that 650-mile target but also spread the word about our mission and make a lasting impact.”
Get involved!
If you are interested in getting involved in this very special fundraising challenge in 2025, either as an individual or as a team, please contact Linda - she’d love to hear from you.
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You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn
