Each year Garden Re-Leaf Day – the biggest FUNdraising occasion for the Greenfingers Charity – sees people from across the garden retail sector come together to walk, cycle and make memories. With this year’s event fast approaching – 15th March – the charity is issuing a rallying call to encourage even more people to sign-up to the jewel in the Garden Re-Leaf crown, the annual Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge.
Whether you walk 10 miles or cycle 100 miles, the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge is guaranteed to be a lot of fun. Plus, with two locations to choose from – Tring, Hertfordshire or Holmbridge, West Yorkshire – the day has become much more accessible to brands, suppliers and individuals from across the country.
So far, the start line of both the North and South walk, plus the South-based Cycle Challenge, are set to be bustling. South walkers will include the teams from Vitavia Greenhouses, British Garden Centres, Woodmansterne, the 16-strong team from Glee (Hyve). Joining them will be intrepid adventurers from GIMA, Extreme Lounging, Hornby George PR, Tring Garden Centre (who are kindly providing the backdrop to the South Walk!), Blue Diamond, Evergreen Garden Care, Husqvarana/Gardena, Frost Gardens Centres, KSB Consultancy, Leon Boots, Cadix UK Ltd and friends Matthew, Jodie, Kirsty and James Rowlandson.
Joining them for the warm-up and a much-needed meal after the event will be this year’s cyclists, who include representatives from Tamar Nurseries and Hartwell Nurseries, as well as Casey Warwick from Decco, Steve Desombre of British Garden Centres and Antony Fitter from Westland. Each of these cyclists have the options to complete 25, 50, 75 or 100 miles across the Hertfordshire countryside. Both Tamar and Hartwell Nurseries have also been confirmed as two of Greenfingers’ latest charity partners, with Garden Re-Leaf kickstarting this fundraising journey together.
In the north, walkers will include the Meadow View Stone team, plus representatives from the AMES Companies, Deco-Pak, Evergreen Garden Care and STV International.
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications said: “A HUGE thank you to all those that have already confirmed their place at this year’s Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walks and Cycle Challenge. And to those that haven’t yet signed up – what are you waiting for?! Go dust off your walking boots, free your bike from the shed or convince your friends and colleagues to join you. What better way to spend a Friday than to stretch the legs, challenge yourself and enjoy some scenic views. Plus, the best bit, you’ll be making a difference and helping us to continue to support children’s hospices throughout the country. Every step, every pedal cycled helps to raise funds, and that means we can build even more garden spaces for those that need them most.”
Don’t miss out – register today!
Getting involved in the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge couldn’t be easier. Simply visit https://www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/get-involved/garden-re-leaf-day-is-coming-soon where all the information and registration links are clearly marked.
Don’t forget to also create your JustGiving page so that you can ask friends, family and colleagues for sponsorship.
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Top tips for making the most of the Garden Re-Leaf Day Sponsored Walk & Cycle Challenge
- Appropriate shoes – both routes go off-road so be prepared for mud and stiles! A well-worn pair of walking boots or trainers will stand you in good stead.
- Remember plasters and a spare pair of socks should you get soggy feet!
- Not wanting to trust the Great British weather, we suggest wearing plenty of layers to ensure that you’re prepared for every season in one day if needed.
- Stops offering light snacks and water will be dotted throughout the route but it’s also a good idea to bring a few snacks or a light lunch to keep you sustained throughout the walk.
- Have fun! Make friends! Build your contacts! Whether you are walking on your own or as part of a team, you are guaranteed to have a superb day away from the desk.
- Raise money – don’t forget that the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge has been put in place to raise much-needed funds for the Greenfingers
Charity. No matter if you raise £250 or £1,000, just know that it is hugely appreciated and will make a difference to the children, friends and families that spend time in a Greenfingers garden.
For more FUNdraising ideas or to obtain a copy of the 2024 fundraising pack drop Linda a line – she’d love to hear from you: linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk