As 2025 draws to a close, the Greenfingers Charity is reflecting on one of the most remarkable years in its 25-year history, a year defined by generosity, achievement and the shared belief in the power of gardens to bring comfort and joy to life-limited children, their families and carers.
From breathtaking fundraising events to the creation of new therapeutic gardens, Greenfingers Charity is offering a million thanks to the hundreds of individuals, businesses and organisations whose generosity defined 2025.
The inaugural Floral Ball welcomed over 250 guests and marked the charity’s greatest achievement to date, reaching its Silver Anniversary Appeal target of more than £2 million.
Five new gardens at The Nook (Norfolk), Chestnut Tree House (West Sussex), Acorns Children’s Hospice (Walsall) and Hope House (Shropshire) have brought vibrant spaces where children and families can play, learn, care, grow and, for those facing the hardest of times, remember. The Together Garden, which won a Silver Gilt Medal at the RHS Flower Show at Wentworth Woodhouse, began its sensitive rebuild at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice (Sheffield), where it now provides a permanent sanctuary for bereaved families.
Meanwhile, elements from the Greenfingers Charity garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live have been carefully relocated and are now being enjoyed in children’s hospices across the country, extending the charity’s legacy of comfort and connection.
Record-breaking fundraising at Glee’s Floral Thursday, together with ambitious challenges like the Kilimanjaro Trek, already surpassing £40,000, and the unwavering backing of the garden retail sector, including Klondyke, British Garden Centres, Smart Garden and Evergreen Garden Care, showcased the extraordinary breadth of support and secured vital funds to create future hospice gardens.
Speaking on behalf of the charity, Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications, said: “This year has been extraordinary, not just because of the milestones we’ve reached, but because of the people behind them. Every event hosted, every plant donated, every hour volunteered has come from a place of genuine care. Together, you have helped us create spaces that bring comfort, calm and precious moments to children and families when they need them most. We are deeply grateful, a million thanks to you all.”
Neil Sewell, Director of Operations, added: “Those funds are directly transforming children’s hospices across the UK. Every pound raised goes into building gardens that provide comfort, calm and precious moments for children and families. From sensory play areas to quiet spaces for reflection, these gardens are uniquely designed and created to meet real needs and will continue to make a lasting difference.”
The story doesn’t end here. While 2025 has been a year of celebration, Greenfingers reminds supporters that hospices remain on the waiting list, hoping for new gardens. With hospices across the UK facing funding challenges, the charity is determined to keep momentum strong and will launch a new appeal in 2026 to ensure more children and families can benefit from the healing power of nature.
The charity has an exciting calendar of events lined up for the year ahead and warmly invites everyone across the garden industry and beyond to continue playing their part in creating magical outdoor spaces for children’s hospices nationwide. Two dates to mark in your diary are: Friday 20th March – Garden Re Leaf Day, when the industry unites for a nationwide fundraising effort and Thursday 2nd July – the Summer Ball at Coombe Abbey, promising an unforgettable evening of celebration and support.
If you want to be part of the Greenfingers story in 2026, do not hesitate to reach out to the fundraising team by emailing fundraising@greenfingerscharity.org.uk
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.
Greenfingers is a national charity dedicated to supporting life-limited children and their families who spend time in hospices around the UK. The charity is committed to creating, beautiful, well-designed outdoor spaces for children to enjoy with family, friends and siblings, whether through play and fun, or therapeutic rest and relaxation. To date Greenfingers Charity has created over 70 inspiring gardens in children’s hospices around the country and has a further waiting list of hospices that need help.
https://www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/
