GIMA’s many fundraising activities during the past year the year have raised more than £20,000 for Greenfingers, the association’s chosen charity, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary year.

The GIMA Charity Day kick started proceedings, with 18 teams fighting it out on the golf course, whilst over at Lilleshall Cricket Club teams tackled the infamous Crystal Maze. A three-course dinner, entertainment and an auction rounded off proceedings, with a magnificent £8,000 raised throughout the day.

GIMA’s biggest ever fundraising event – and personal challenge for those taking part – was the GIMA Wing Walk in late June, when GIMA’s Vicky Nuttall, Evergreen Garden Care’s Mark Portland and SBM Life Science’s Lowri Walker took to the skies strapped to the roof of a vintage bi-plane for a flight none of them will forget. They raised a staggering £10,000.

The glittering jewel in GIMA’s fundraising crown was – as always – the annual GIMA Awards, held once again at Celtic Manor in July. A table raffle with prizes supplied by Hozelock saw the money pour in, while the More People sponsored main raffle kept wallets and purses open. The combined proceeds exceeded £3,000.

GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall sthnaked you to everyone who had taken part in the fundraising. “Raising over £20,000 for Greenfingers is an achievement we should all be so proud of, especially as we know the difference this money will make to life-limited children and their families. I’d also like to congratulate Greenfingers on reaching such a milestone anniversary – 20 years! We look forward to supporting you throughout the next 20!”

Linda Petrons, Greenfingers’ director of fundraising and communications, added: “From the bottom of our hearts – thank you to GIMA and all its members for their continued support. £20,000 is a huge sum of money, and we are so incredibly grateful. This donation will help us to create even more magical gardens and to help bring many more smiles to life-limited children and their families.”