With just three weeks to go until the Greenfingers Charity Kilimanjaro Trek team sets off on the adventure of a lifetime, excitement is building amongst the incredible group preparing to take on Africa’s highest mountain.
Over the coming weeks, the trekkers will be fitting in final training walks, breaking in boots, checking kit lists and wondering what on earth they signed up for, as they prepare to spend eight days trekking to the 5,895m summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
But whilst the challenge itself is huge, every single person taking part is united by one thing – raising vital funds for the Greenfingers Charity and the magical hospice gardens it creates for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
As the countdown continues, we caught up with some of the trekkers to hear more about their motivations, emotions and what’s going through their minds ahead of the climb.
Nicole & David Higginson – New Leaf Plants
“David climbed Kilimanjaro 13 years ago for Prostate Cancer UK and I was always a little envious of his adventure,” explained Nicole. “So, when this challenge was announced I just had to say yes! David was persuaded to join by Bob and Boyd at the Greenfingers Ball last July and I’m delighted that we can undertake it together.
“It’s our 35th wedding anniversary in August so what better way to celebrate, and perhaps test, our bond than to climb a mountain!”
Danny & Jodie Rowlandson
Danny and Jodie are no strangers to fundraising challenges, having supported charities ever since their son Max was diagnosed with leukaemia at just two years old. “Max is now a fighting fit 17-year-old and jealous not to be joining us on the trek!” they said.
The pair also have a long-standing connection with Tanzania, having visited the country on their honeymoon 20 years ago. “We swore we’d come back one day to take on Kilimanjaro. Greenfingers is such a fantastic charity and we’re hopeful to raise as much as possible.”
Danny added: “We’ve visited hospices supported by Greenfingers and seeing both the gardens and the plans for future projects really brought home the difference these spaces make. Our son spent a lot of time in hospital when he was young, so we understand the value of getting outside into the fresh air and nature, away from the smells, colours and hard surfaces of a hospital.”
Matt Rowlandson & Kate Ebbens
For Matt and Kate, the trek combines their shared love of adventure with a determination to raise awareness and funds for Greenfingers.
“Walking and climbing together has become our shared passion,” said Kate. “We’re a little competitive too, recently summiting Ben Nevis in just six hours! Kilimanjaro will definitely push us to our limits, especially summit day, but our motivation is clear – helping create beautiful outdoor spaces for children and families who need them most.”
Matt admits he’s also been thinking about some of the more practical realities of mountain life. “I’m not an experienced ‘wild wee and pooer’,” he joked. “I’ve genuinely been worrying about the etiquette of disappearing behind a lava boulder! But honestly, I cannot wait for the camaraderie, the banter and the wisecracks with the African porters. It’s going to be a blast.”
Heidi & Tara
Long-time friends Heidi and Tara have spent more than 30 years taking on adventures together, from rowing at Henley to representing their country in sport but admit Kilimanjaro may be one of their biggest challenges yet.
“We’ve always loved adventure and never say no to a good party,” they said. “But after speaking to parents with children in hospices, we know this challenge is nothing compared to what many families are going through.”
Heidi, a Greenfingers Trustee, said taking on the challenge together felt like the perfect fit. “We knew that by doing this together we could support each other whilst helping raise money for families facing incredibly difficult situations.”
Alexa Blackmore
Alexa, Gift and Christmas Buyer for The Gardens Group, says the trek will be unlike anything she has attempted before, both physically and emotionally.
“It is through The Gardens Group that I became aware of the amazing work Greenfingers does, having supported fundraising for the charity over several years,” she explained.
“Climbing Kilimanjaro will by far be the most challenging fundraiser I have ever attempted, but I’m sure it will also be the most rewarding and something that permanently changes me.”
Alexa says her connection to the outdoors is a huge part of why the challenge feels so meaningful.“My garden is my sanctuary,” she said. “It’s where I reconnect with myself, where I relax, grow vegetables, walk my giant rescue dog Bill and simply enjoy being outside. I feel incredibly fortunate to have that space and freedom, which is why Greenfingers’ work is so important.
“The children and families using hospices deserve those same moments – the chance to feel the sun on their face, build memories together, sit outside with siblings and friends or simply have a quiet moment to breathe.”
Whilst the training has been tough, including what Alexa describes as “the year of DOMS”, she says the challenge has already changed her perspective. “Some mornings getting up for 5.45am gym sessions before work has felt impossible,” she admitted. “But then I think about the families caring for children with complex needs every single day without pause or choice, and it puts everything into perspective. The hard work has already been worth it. Bring on Kilimanjaro.”
Helen Taylor
Helen Taylor says signing up for the Greenfingers Kilimanjaro Trek was a slightly unexpected decision that quickly became an exciting personal challenge. “I first heard about the trek last October at a funeral,” she explained. “Bob Marley mentioned that I was doing it and I remember saying, ‘What am I doing this time Bob?!’ I asked for 24 hours to think about it and then signed up.”
Having celebrated her 60th birthday in April, Helen said she wanted to mark the milestone by doing something meaningful.
“I wanted to support a children’s charity whilst also challenging myself physically and mentally, and this felt like the perfect opportunity.”
Whilst she admits gym training, particularly the stepper, has not been her favourite part, Helen says the support from friends, family and colleagues has been incredible, with a recent coffee morning raising more than £900 towards the challenge.
Phillippa & Libby
Mother and daughter duo Phillippa and Libby are taking on the mountain as part of Phillippa’s 50th birthday celebrations. “We’ve taken part in lots of Greenfingers fundraising events over the years, but this will definitely be our biggest challenge yet,” they said.
“From sleeping in tents to no showers or creature comforts, we know it’s going to push us. But if we can help raise enough money towards another hospice garden, then every step will be worth it.”
The pair say their support for Greenfingers became even more personal after visiting a hospice garden opening several years ago. “The benefit of bringing fresh air and beautiful outdoor spaces to children, their families and hospice teams is simply priceless.”
Matt & Nic Jones
Matt and Nic are using the trek to mark a milestone year, with both celebrating their 50th birthdays shortly after returning home. “We feel extremely fortunate and blessed,” they explained. “We understand some of the stress and worry families face when children are seriously unwell but can’t begin to imagine what many of the families supported by Greenfingers go through every day.”
The couple say personal family experiences have made the challenge feel even more meaningful. “We hope this trip helps raise awareness and support for the charity and the incredible work it does.”
Johan Huibers
Originally from Holland and now living in the UK, semi-retired consultant Johan signed up simply because he wanted a challenge with purpose. “I’m aiming to raise £5,000 and will be talking about the trek to whoever I meet and wherever I go!” he said. “I feel extremely fortunate that our children are healthy, so I wanted to help whilst I can.”
The full Greenfingers Kilimanjaro Trek team also includes Greenfingers Ambassador Bob Marley; Richard Howard of Doddington Nurseries alongside Tia Blunt; Richard Quarmby; Thomas Forsyth; Helen Taylor of Allan Morris Estate Agents; Greenfingers Trustee Tammy Woodhouse; Rene Assies of Assies; and Jess Dollimore of Ruxley Manor, all of whom are preparing to take on the once-in-a-lifetime challenge in support of Greenfingers Charity.
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: “It’s been incredibly emotional hearing everyone’s reasons for taking part. Every trekker has their own story, whether that’s personal experience, a love of adventure, wanting to give back or simply wanting to do something extraordinary for a truly worthwhile cause. What unites them all is the determination to help us continue creating magical gardens for children’s hospices and the families who rely on them.”
Supporters are now being encouraged to get behind the trekkers as the countdown continues, with donations still being welcomed via the team’s fundraising pages.
The industry is also being invited to take part in Floral Friday on Friday 12th June 2026, a colourful show of support taking place as the trekkers begin their ascent.
Already a much-loved fundraising tradition at events including Glee and Garden Re-Leaf Day, Floral Friday will see supporters across the sector donning their brightest floral shirts, dresses and accessories in solidarity with the team.
Linda added: “Floral Friday is all about showing the trekkers that the entire industry is behind them every step of the way. Whether people donate, dress up in florals or simply help spread the word, every bit of support means so much.”
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.
