With now less than three months to go until a 24-strong team of supporters begins their ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro on 10th June, the Greenfingers Charity trekkers have passed a major milestone, raising more than £100,000 in support of a brand-new hospice garden at Naomi House & Jacksplace in Winchester.
Over the past few months, the team has been steadily building both fundraising momentum and physical preparation as they gear up for the once-in-a-lifetime challenge. Training has already included a dedicated altitude preparation course, giving trekkers valuable insight into the demands of climbing to nearly 6,000 metres above sea level.
Alongside their physical training, the Kilimanjaro trekkers have been throwing themselves into a wide range of fundraising activities, rallying friends, family, colleagues and customers to support the challenge. From community events to industry gatherings, the team has been working hard to drive the fundraising total higher as the expedition approaches.
One recent highlight came from Alexa Blackmore of The Gardens Group, who hosted a hugely successful quiz night at Castle Gardens, raising more than £800 towards the Kilimanjaro fundraising effort.
Greenfingers Ambassador Bob Marley is also preparing to host his sell-out golf day, which promises to bring further support to the campaign.
Meanwhile, members of the Kilimanjaro team tackled another physical challenge closer to home. On Garden Re-Leaf Day, several trekkers took part in the North Walk, following a demanding route across the Holme Valley in West Yorkshire, which can see elevations reach as high as 1,300m.
Beyond the physical challenge and fundraising efforts, the climbers will also have the opportunity to see first-hand the impact their efforts will have. In May, the team are set to visit Naomi House & Jacksplace hospice to learn more about plans for the new Greenfingers garden that their efforts will be funding.
The garden is currently being designed by award-winning landscape designer Helen Elks-Smith and will provide a peaceful and inspiring outdoor environment for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Boyd Douglas Davies, Chair of Greenfingers Charity, said: “Reaching the £100,000 mark is a fantastic milestone and a real reflection of the commitment, energy and generosity shown by our Kilimanjaro trekkers and everyone supporting them.
What’s especially encouraging is that this is just part of the journey. With only a few months to go, there’s plenty more fundraising ahead, as well as the visit to Naomi House & Jacksplace in May which will bring into sharp focus exactly why this challenge matters so much.
“Every pound raised brings us closer to creating a magical, thoughtfully designed garden at the hospice, somewhere families can find a moment of peace, comfort and togetherness at the times they need it most. We’re hugely grateful to everyone involved.”
Show your support for the Greenfingers Kilimanjaro team
Standing at 5,895 metres (19,341 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. While it does not require technical climbing equipment, reaching the summit demands determination, endurance and teamwork.
To show your support visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/greenfingers-kilimanjaro2026 and keep an eye on the Greenfingers socials to find out more about the trekkers upcoming events.
In the meantime, you can also follow all the latest updates from Greenfingers on social media - @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn, https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/ and @GreenfingersCha on Twitter.
The Greenfingers Kilimanjaro Climber are:
- GIMA President Kate Ebbens
- Heidi Baylis Towse representing Greenfingers and Blue Diamond
- Phillippa Stubbs and Libby Stubbs of British Garden Centres
- Greenfingers Ambassador, Bob Marley
- Alexa Blackmore from The Gardens Group
- Matt Jones of Sipcam and his partner Nicola
- Daniel, Jodie and Matthew Rowlandson
- Tara Adams from The AMES Companies
- Nicole and David Higginson of New Leaf Plants
- Richard Howard of Doddington Nurseries along with Tia Blunt
- Johan Huibers
- Richard Quarmby
- Thomas Forsyth
- James Aiston – Wefill Ltd
- Helen Taylor – Allan Morris Estate Agents
- Greenfingers Trustee - Tammy Woodhouse
- Rene Assies – Assies
- Jess Dollimore – Ruxley Manor
