A long-term and active Ambassador for Greenfingers and MD of Cadix UK Ltd, Ebbens has set herself an ambitious challenge. Every single day, no matter the weather or her mood, she will put on her running shoes and will tackle a run whether home or abroad.
For her challenge, Ebbens is looking to feature 12 monthly garden centre sponsors, with St Peter’s Garden Centre kickstarting proceedings in January. For a sponsorship fee of £400 garden centres can sponsor her efforts one month at a time. With a t-shirt emblazoned with that month’s sponsors logo, Ebbens and Greenfingers will ensure plenty of social media content to promote their involvement. Every sponsor will also join the role of honour, forever adorning her running vest.
Since the soft launch of her 365-challenge at the recent Greenfingers Charity Fundraising dinner, Kate has already garnered support from a wide range of garden centres including Ayletts, Tong Garden Centre, Klondyke, Perrywood Garden Centres, British Garden Centres, and Scotsdales. However, with their involvement alongside the team at St Peter’s Garden, that does mean five months remain unsponsored.
Talking about her mammoth challenge, Ebbens said: “It never ceases to amaze me just how much of an impact a Greenfingers garden can have upon those that spend time in them. Whether it’s the children that call the hospice ‘home’, their family and friends or the hospice staff, these spaces are a place of magic, memory and love. Being able to play a part in the continuation of Greenfingers’ work is frankly an honour and I hope that my 365-day running challenge might inspire others to push the boundaries when it comes to supporting the charity.”
Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at the Greenfingers Charity, added: “The biggest thank you to Kate for your amazing fundraising plans in 2024. Kate has consistently supported and advocated for Greenfingers and to now be the reason for such a physically demanding challenge is truly heartening. To those who have confirmed their support of Kate’s running challenge in 2024, thanks must also go to you. And to all those who will inevitably dig deep through the year, thank you also. Every single penny does make a difference so whether it’s £1 or £1,000, please know that you’ll be helping Kate to stay motivated, whilst also providing a peaceful garden retreat for the thousands of children that enjoy time in a Greenfingers garden.”
With £4,800 earmarked from garden centre sponsorship, Ebbens is hoping to raise as much as £10,000 over the next 365 days. The justgiving page is there for keen supporters, and interested (garden centre) sponsors for her running challenge can contact Greenfingers.