British Garden Centres has raised over £15,000 in support of Garden Re-Leaf Day, an annual event that raises funds for Greenfingers Charity.

March 15th saw the UK’s largest family-run garden centre group organise various events in its 62 stores across the length and breadth of the country to engage customers and encourage donations.  Centres held many fun and exciting fundraising events including raffles, cake sales, car washes, tombolas, and competitions, providing opportunities for customers to participate and contribute to the worthy cause.

As well as centre events, Teams from various local British Garden Centres stores participated in several intrepid challenges to raise funds for Greenfingers.  Ben, Jo-Anne, Maisie, and Haywood from Brigg Garden Centre made it to the summit of Mount Snowdon, while Kerrie and Lucy from Ramsgate Garden Centre braved the blisters and walked 30 miles along the Kent coastline on Garden Re-Leaf Day. Other members of the team including Amy Hennessy, Alex Bullock, Andy Matthews, Phill Robinson, Phillippa Stubbs and Dan Aitken participated in the Garden Re-Leaf walk from Tring Garden Centre, a 25-mile bike ride was completed by Steve Descombe, whilst Ruthie from Brockworth Garden Centre ran 13 miles around her local area.

Special mention must go to the top five fundraising stores for British Garden Centres – Brigg, Sprowston, Birchencliffe, Wolseley Bridge and Playhatch for their exceptional efforts on Garden Re-Leaf Day, supporting the value work Greenfingers Charity does, designing, funding, and building magical, inspiring gardens for children who spend time in hospices. These gardens are designed to be accessible, therapeutic, and safe spaces for children with life-limiting conditions, their families and carers.

Amy Stubbs, Project and Development Manager at British Garden Centres said:  "We are incredibly proud of the efforts of our team members and customers in supporting Garden Re-Leaf Day. The stores' hard work and customer generosity have enabled us to exceed our fundraising target and contribute towards creating beautiful outdoor spaces for children with life-limiting illnesses."

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications added: “Greenfingers would like to express their sincere gratitude to every British Garden Centres store and team member for their exceptional fundraising efforts on Garden Re-Leaf Day. We are grateful for the generosity of the centres, teams and customers, whose contributions will enable us to build green spaces that enable families to create precious memories. The charity's work is vital in providing opportunities for children to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature and the money will make a real difference to so many children and their families who spend time in hospices.”