With just over a week to go, walkers and cyclists from across the garden retail sector are busy limbering up as they prepare to tackle the 2023 Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge (24^th March 2023).

This year, walkers will be taking on one of two walks, with the new-for-2023 north walk having a handful of spaces left for those walkers based in the north of the country. Organised by long-term Greenfingers ally, Jane Lawler Associates, and supported by Will Armitage, Jenny Douthwaite and Martin Cowell, this 12-mile circular route will take in ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ country, including moorland, riverside paths, pretty villages and reservoirs, making it one of Garden Re-Leaf’s most scenic walking route to-date. Signed up so far includes teams from AMES UK, Evergreen Garden Care, The HTA, Gardena and Darren Bosworth Landscapes.  

Down in the south, over 70 walkers are set to meet at the start line, with 11 cyclists ready to pedal anywhere from 25 to 100 miles. Confirmed so far includes Greenfingers Trustees, Richard Claxton and Neil Sewell, plus teams from Vitavia Greenhouses, Capi Europe, British Garden Centres, Glee, Evergreen Garden Care, Johnsons Lawn Seed, SBM Life Science, Hornby Whitefoot PR, The Potting Shed Media (Garden Trade News), plus individual walkers such as August Bernstein and The Gluttonous Gardener, Alice Schwausch.

Whilst the northern walkers will be treated with a warm pub welcome upon completion of the walk, south walkers will not be missing out. A raffle, live music and barbeque will all be taking place at the start/end point of Tring Garden Centre – part of British Garden Centres, who are heavily supporting Garden Re-Leaf in 2023 -  activities that will help walkers and cyclists to forget about their tired legs for a little bit!

Talking about the walk, Matthew Mein, Glee Director and mastermind of the Garden Re-Leaf Day walk said: “Whether you’re walking 10 or cycling 100 miles, there is no question that the Garden Re-Leaf Walk will stay with you. From the physical challenge element to the team building and camaraderie you’ll experience throughout, it really is an incredible day. Of course, the knowledge that every step and every mile covered is helping to contribute to the Garden Re-Leaf fundraising target makes the day a little bit easier. The work that the Greenfingers Charity undertakes within children’s hospices across the country is worth every bead of sweat, every blister and every wrong turn taken. It’s an honour to be able to contribute something to this wonderful charity.”  

Don’t miss out – register today!

Getting involved in the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge couldn’t be easier. Simply visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/get-involved/gardenreleaf where all the information and registration links are clearly marked.

Don’t forget to also create your JustGiving page so that you can ask friends, family and colleagues for sponsorship. Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at the Greenfingers Charity said: “We recognise that as an event that sees so many from the garden retail sector take part, the fear is always that we’ll be asking all the same people for sponsorship. We say, don’t let this put you off! The more people you ask – even if the same – it helps to spread the word of Greenfingers so go shout it from the rooftops!”

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Top tips for making the most of the Garden Re-Leaf Day Sponsored Walk & Cycle Challenge

• Appropriate shoes – both routes go off-road so be prepared for mud and stiles!  A well-worn pair of walking boots or trainers will stand you in good stead.
• Remember plasters and a spare pair of socks should you get soggy feet!
• Not wanting to trust the Great British weather, we suggest wearing plenty of layers to ensure that you’re prepared for every season in one day if needed.
• Light snacks and water stops will be dotted throughout the route but it’s also a good idea to bring a few snacks or a light lunch to keep you sustained throughout the walk.
• Have fun! Make friends! Build your contacts! Whether you are walking on your own or part of a team, you are guaranteed to have a superb day away from the desk.
• Raise money – don’t forget that the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge has been put in place to raise much-needed funds for the Greenfingers

 Charity. No matter if you raise £1 or £1,000, just know that it is hugely appreciated and will make a difference to the children, friends and families that spend time in a Greenfingers garden.

For more FUNdraising ideas or to obtain a copy of the 2023 fundraising pack drop Linda a line - she’d love to hear from you.