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Having successfully completed her own 366-day running challenge in aid of the Greenfingers Charity, GIMA President Kate Ebbens has once again stepped up to inspire action within the garden retail sector. At the prestigious GIMA Awards in November 2024, Kate set the stage for an all-new Greenfingers endurance challenge for 2025, encouraging others to take part in raising vital funds for the charity.

Not one to miss out on the opportunity, Kate has rallied the GIMA Council to join her in the ambitious challenge of collectively covering 650 miles before the end of June 2025. The timing of the challenge is particularly poignant, aligning with Greenfingers’ 25th anniversary celebrations. GIMA Council participants will contribute to the miles in various ways, including walking, running, swimming, and cycling, showcasing a united front for a cause close to their hearts.

Among those taking part is GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall, who plans to swim two miles a week. Sipcam’s Nigel Thompson will be running 50 miles, Vitax’s Mark Butler aims to walk 10 miles weekly, and Craig Hall of Deco-Pak will be running 10 miles each week, as will Kate Ebbens. Meanwhile, Jenny Douthwaite from Primeur will be adding to the total with her daily walks. Together, they aim to not only hit but surpass the mileage target, while raising awareness and funds for Greenfingers.

Speaking about the challenge, Kate Ebbens said, “It’s not quite the scale of what I completed in 2024, but nonetheless, it’s great to get moving to raise funds for Greenfingers. It’s so inspiring to have the GIMA Council also helping to reach our target - we can cheer each other on along the way!”

Vicky Nuttall added, “GIMA has been a long-term supporter of Greenfingers, so there was never any question about getting involved in the 2025 challenge. Knowing that our collective efforts will go a long way in supporting the work of the charity is more than enough motivation to keep us going.”

The 650-mile challenge has a symbolic meaning, connecting Greenfingers HQ in Buckinghamshire to Coombe Abbey in Coventry, the venue for the charity's 25th Anniversary Floral Ball. Along the virtual route, participants will pass through four hospices set to benefit from Greenfingers gardens this year: Acorns Children’s Hospice in Walsall, Hope House in Oswestry, Bluebell Wood in Sheffield, and Chestnut Tree House in Arundel. Each hospice represents the transformative power of Greenfingers gardens, offering children and families moments of tranquillity and joy.