An intrepid team of fundraisers is gearing up to scale Africa’s tallest peak in a bold and inspiring effort to raise vital funds and awareness for the Greenfingers Charity, which creates therapeutic gardens for children’s hospices across the UK.
From 10th to 21st June 2026, a group of 17 passionate individuals, comprising well-known faces from the garden retail and horticultural industry, along with friends, family, and colleagues, will take on the formidable challenge of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, the legendary ‘Roof of Africa’. Towering at 5,895m, Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s most iconic and demanding bucket-list climbs.
Among those undertaking this life-changing journey are GIMA President Kate Ebbens, Phillippa Stubbs and Libby Stubbs of British Garden Centres, Heidi Baylis Towse representing Greenfingers and Blue Diamond, Greenfingers Ambassador, Bob Marley, Alexa Blackmore and Sarah Edmondson from The Gardens Group, Matt Jones of Sipcam and his partner Nicola, Daniel, Jodie and Matthew Rowlandson, Tara Adams from AMES, Nicole and David Higginson of New Leaf Plants, and Richard Howard of Doddington Nurseries with his partner Tia Blunt.
Organised by Charity Challenge, the trek will lead participants through Kilimanjaro’s breathtaking and diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and the stark, lunar-like summit plateau. Over seven days, the team will face extreme altitude and physical exertion, culminating in a demanding overnight ascent to witness the sunrise from the summit, a moment destined to be etched in memory.
This monumental effort is in aid of Greenfingers Charity’s mission to create magical outdoor spaces at children’s hospices, offering life-limited children and their families moments of joy, comfort, and reflection in nature.
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: “Over the years, our incredible supporters have shown unwavering dedication to helping Greenfingers bring hospice gardens to life. The Kilimanjaro challenge is the ultimate test, both physically and emotionally, but the impact is immeasurable. Standing at the summit, knowing you’ve helped create magical and therapeutic gardens for children and families, is a reward like no other. We’re immensely proud of this team and can’t wait to follow their journey to the top of Africa.”
Support the Team
Trekkers and the Greenfingers Charity invites everyone to support the team’s fundraising efforts, which will directly benefit children’s hospices across the UK. To donate and follow their progress, please visit their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/greenfingers-kilimanjaro2026
