Last month’s Perennial ‘Play the Pitch’ charity football tournament was hailed a success by GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall, President Chris Ramsden (Hozelock), and council member Craig Hall from Deco-Pak. The event raised approximately £15,000 for Perennial from 16 teams and was hosted by Leicester City Football Club at the King Power stadium.
Deco-Pak and GIMA both fielded teams, raising over £1,200 for the charity which supports all those that work in the horticultural industry who fall on hard times.
GIMA’s team featured Craig Hall, Chris Ramsden, John Gomersall from Forest Garden, Rob Giles from Grange Fencing, Adie Lewis from Zest 4 Leisure, and Richard Newton from Woodlodge. Vicky Nuttall led the support from the stands – cheering on husband Mike, and was joined by Ascential’s Fernanda Pinto – rooting for colleague and Event Director of Glee, Matthew Mein, and Kimberley Hornby, Managing Director of Hornby Whitefoot PR the PR team behind GIMA, Deco-Pak and Glee to name but a few – supporting colleague Robbie Cumming.
After three group matches, the tournament was then split into ‘Cup’ and ‘Plate’ knock out stages. Deco-Pak, who beat GIMA in the first group game, made it to the quarter-finals of the Cup tournament, but GIMA did even better and progressed to the final after beating event sponsors ICL. Sadly, they were then beaten by Gavin Jones United, who went on to win the tournament overall, in an extra final match against the winners of the ‘Plate’ final. After the tournament ended, players including Rob Giles and Robbie Cumming were encouraged to place further donations in order to attempt to ‘beat the goalie’, scoring between the posts of the full size goals of the King Power stadium.
Craig Hall, Deco-Pak Marketing Manager and GIMA council member said: “Walking down the tunnel and onto the immaculate pitch as a player was an amazing experience, one that any football fan could appreciate. We did really well against the other teams -despite not having any training together beforehand – and I put that down to the leadership qualities of those on the team and excellent networking at previous GIMA events. Special thanks must go to Vicky, Kimberley and Fernanda, as well as the Deco-Pak team, who all cheered us on to the end as well as donating to help finance the team kits and raise much needed funds for Perennial.”
GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall said: “From a spectator’s point of view, the stadium was a spectacular sight, and we were well hosted by Leicester City with unrivalled access to the grounds facilities. The GIMA team kept us entertained and I was so proud that they got all the way to the final! Huge thanks to Perennial and Leicester City, and also to Craig and Deco-Pak for helping to source the football kits.”
Laura Garnett, Senior Development Manager at Perennial, said: “Our thanks go to LCFC Grounds Manager John Ledwidge and his team as well as all those who took part on the day. It was a great event for Perennial, raising much needed funds and galvanising support. This was the first event of its kind for Perennial and in organising it we have realised what an appetite our colleagues from across the industry have for friendly competition! We are already in talks with further sports grounds to stage similar events in the coming months.”
A slideshow of images from the event is available to purchase from the official photographer, CDHPIX Photography – a slideshow of which is available to view on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp_ffHLF9Wc
To keep up to date with GIMA news, visit the GIMA website, get in touch with the GIMA office on 01959 564947 or email info@gima.org.uk.
GIMA www.gima.org.uk
Deco-Pak www.deco-pak.co.uk
Perennial www.perennial.org.uk
About GIMA
The Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) is a membership organisation representing the majority share of suppliers and manufacturers operating within the UK gardening industry. Formed in 1999, its goal is to promote the commercial, trading and industrial interests of UK and EU based companies supplying the UK garden industry. Run by a small team of dedicated professionals, and governed by a council of members, GIMA is funded by membership subscriptions and services. The range of services and support provided for members is extensive, offering something for all members, regardless of their size or heritage.
About Deco-Pak
Deco-Pak is a supplier of decorative aggregates, paving, growing media, bird houses, insect hotels, water features and statuary, specialising in creating unique point of sale displays, contemporary heritage-style packaging and hands on customer service. The family run company distributes all over the UK from their base in West Yorkshire, serving independent garden centres and national retail chains alike.
For more media enquiries, information, interviews, or images regarding GIMA/Deco-Pak, contact:
Kimberley Hornby Tel: 07851 610573 email: Kimberley@hornbywhitefootpr.co.uk
Robbie Cumming Tel: 07765 251173 email: robbie@hornbywhitefootpr.co.uk
About Perennial
Perennial offers free, confidential advice and support to everyone working in or retired from horticulture and their families, including gardeners, landscapers, nursery and garden centre staff, parks and grounds care staff and tree surgeons. People turn to Perennial for financial and emotional help in times of need because of disability, sickness, poverty, financial hardship and old age – although increasingly younger people are seeking their assistance. Many individuals describe the services Perennial offers as a ‘lifeline’. The work of Perennial depends entirely on voluntary donations from the horticultural industry and the garden-loving public.
For all media enquiries, interviews, photographs and additional information about Perennial, please contact:
Clare Johnson | clare@bloom-pr.com.uk | 07815 041635
Jennie Spears | jennie@bloom-pr.co.uk | 07944 552634