The Greenfingers Charity marked a major milestone with a magnificent celebration at Coombe Abbey Hotel on 26th June, as over 250 guests gathered to honour the charity’s 25th Anniversary at its inaugural Floral Ball: an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition, and FUNdraising.
Hosted by TV personality Chris Clarkson, the evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, star-studded entertainment, and generous fundraising efforts in support of the charity’s mission to create magical gardens for children in hospices across the UK.
Boyd Douglas-Davies and Richard Jackson delivered poignant speeches reflecting on the charity’s incredible journey over the past quarter-century. Boyd paid tribute to Richard for being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to hospices, and acknowledged key early supporters of the charity: Caroline Owen, John Little, Neil Gow, Kimberley George, and Seamus Geoghegan.
In a moving moment, Richard Jackson presented Boyd Douglas-Davies with the President’s Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Greenfingers, including raising over £1 million through Garden Re-Leaf Day since 2012.
One of the evening's most significant highlights was the announcement of the Silver Anniversary Appeal total. Launched in 2022, the appeal had aimed to raise £2,000,025 by the time of the ball. The final figure exceeded expectations, reaching a remarkable £2,168,025.
Guests were also given an exclusive first look at the brand-new Greenfingers Charity film, “Adding Life to Shortened Lives,” filmed at Chestnut Tree Hospice, thanks to Phil Wright of Wright OBara, the powerful and emotive short film captures the impact of Greenfingers’ gardens on life-limited children and their families. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the charity’s mission and legacy as it enters its next chapter.
Awards were presented to generous supporters of the Ball, including Platinum Partners, Silver Supporters, and Sterling Ambassadors.
Fundraising took centre stage throughout the evening, kicking off with a Champagne Auction, sponsored by Westland and brought to life thanks to the persuasive skills of Bob Marley. A live auction, led brilliantly by Guy Topping, raised over £40,000; a silent auction, powered by A Star Experience, raised a fantastic £9,500; and a raffle featuring over 100 prizes further boosted the evening’s success.
Guests were treated to dazzling entertainment, including performances by the London Show Choir during the fizz reception. which was sponsored by Vitax. Later in the evening, guests danced the night away with a vibrant performance by Fake Tan, the UK’s ultimate party band, before ending the night with a joyful Silent Disco.
The event was made visually stunning thanks to breathtaking floral arrangements by APAC which were later raffled. Elegant tree ferns dressed the marquee courtesy of HSK. A spectacular entrance garden was arranged by Tom Cook, using hundreds of stunning plants kindly sponsored by British Garden Centres. A photo-ready Instagram wall, a stunning living wall, was sponsored by Wonderwall and British Garden Centres, became one of the most popular backdrops of the night.
The night was also proudly supported by a host of generous sponsors, including Evergreen Garden Care, Meadow View Stone, MorePeople, National Garden Gift Cards, Blue Diamond, STV, Corby & Fellas, New Leaf Plants, Simon & Caroline Quinton Smith, Hornby George PR, Woodmansterne and Baker & Taylor. All of whom played a vital role in making the celebration a resounding success.
Reflecting on the evening’s success, Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: “The Floral Ball was far more than just a celebration. It was a deeply moving tribute to 25 years of kindness, collaboration and tireless commitment. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has played a part in our journey so far, and the generosity shown on the night was a powerful reminder of the passion and purpose that drives our supporters and the horticultural industry alike. With a growing list of hospices waiting for our support, we are excited and determined to build on this momentum — and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together in the next 25 years.
"The 25th Anniversary Floral Ball was a true celebration of community, dedication, and the magic that Greenfingers Charity brings to life for children and families every day."
