Play the Premiership champions for Perennial

Plans for a special one-day fundraising football tournament at the grounds of Premier League Champions, Leicester City Football Club have been announced by Perennial as part of HortAid 2017.

Teams from across the horticulture industry will go head to head in this six-a-side competition on Tuesday 23 May to raise money for the only charity dedicated to helping all horticulturists in times of need.

The official launch of the charity’s annual HortAid fundraising campaign was marked at the annual Party for Perennial on 19 January. It follows record-breaking fundraising for Perennial last year, during which £162,925 was raised for the HortAid 2016 campaign. This achievement is a credit to the ever-growing number of fundraisers from across the UK horticulture industry – including groups and individuals – who are getting involved in a range of activities to raise money for their industry charity.

Leicester City’s King Power Stadium is one of the most talked about pitches in the UK, as the home of the 2015/2016 Premier League winners and it showcases UK groundsmanship at its best. Grounds Manager, John Ledwidge has arranged for Perennial to host this unique tournament that will pitch horts against horts in a frenzy of competition. ICL, the leading supplier of fertilisers, plant protection products and turf seed to the turf and landscape sector including the King Power Stadium, has signed up as headline sponsor for the event to help make sure as much money as possible is raised for Perennial.

Laura Garnett, Senior Development Manager at Perennial said: “We are excited to be offering this once in a lifetime opportunity to experience playing on this famous Premier League pitch. Not only will it be fantastic fun for everyone taking part, it is a great way to raise money for colleagues in the industry who are facing tough times and we hope that the event will raise over £10,000. Demand for places is going to be high and we will be taking bookings on a first come first served basis, so anyone who is interested should act quickly to book their spot.”

John Ledwidge, Grounds Manager at LCFC who is known throughout the industry for his high quality award-winning pitches and match-day patterns, said: “Perennial is there to support everyone in our industry when they most need help, from groundskeepers and turf care specialists to landscapers, gardeners and growers. We all work hard in this industry and it is good to know that an organisation like Perennial exists for us all, so we are delighted to be welcoming Perennial to Leicester City for this special event in May.”

Ed Carter, Sales Manager from sponsors ICL said: “Having worked with John Ledwidge and Leicester City for a long time, we know what care and attention goes into creating a top Premier League pitch like this. It is a very exciting opportunity for the teams that will get the chance to play here and we are proud to be supporting the event and raising money for Perennial.”

A growing number of HortAid activities are confirmed for 2017. The Nuts Challenge will take place on Sunday 17 September. Following the successful 2016 event, where teams from across the industry competed in the muddiest of assault courses, this is now an annual HortAid fixture. Participants are also being sought for the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October, the London 10k in July and the London to Brighton cycle ride in September. Teams or individuals are also welcome to come up with their own fundraising ideas for HortAid and Perennial will help support and promote these.

Anita Bates, Director of Marketing & Development at Perennial said: “Support for Perennial continues to grow and it is fantastic that our HortAid total for 2016 was higher than ever.

"Taking part in HortAid can mean pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone but it doesn’t have to involve getting muddy or exhausted, all sorts of fundraising activities are encouraged. Most importantly HortAid helps us make a real difference to those in need. The vital funds raised help us support people in our industry who have nowhere else to turn.”

Featured News

Slough and Aberdeen councils top the table for slashing playground spend

Slough and Aberdeenshire councils are the local authorities to...
...Read More

The HTA welcomes the Environment Select Committee’s call for a national strategy for green spaces

Sir Robert Goodwill MP, chair of the House of Commons...
...Read More


United Kingdom


Directory

Latest Products

Aspen 4 -

By Aspen


Aspen 4 is alkylate petrol without oil –...

Aspen 2 -

By Aspen


Aspen 2 is alkylate petrol premixed at 50:1 with a...

Arborist 150 -

By GreenMech


The popular Arborist 150 is a simple-to-use and...

VIDEOS

WRT Video Winton FTS -

By Farm Tech Supplies Ltd


Introducing the Foamstream L12 -

By Weeding Technologies


Movember x Turf Tank - 2022 -

By Turf Tank