Perennial workers walk across Great Wall of China

By Alistair October 8, 2018 21:55 Updated

Two members of Perennial, the charity that supports people in horticulture, have been walking across the Great Wall of China to raise funds.

Anita Bates and Laura Garnett’s journey across China has taken in around 70 miles of the Great Wall from Huangyauan to Beijing, amounting to approximately 32 hours of trekking.

Speaking ahead of the walk, Bates, director of Marketing and Fundraising, at Perennial said: “One of my main worries is the thought of saying goodbye to my daughters. It’s the first time I have been away from them for so long. But the reason for walking the wall remains steadfast in our thoughts and we know the generosity of our sponsors and supporters will keep us going. Their support will allow Perennial to continue to help people who are in desperate need of a listening ear or a steady hand to guide them through the worst of times. It’s what we’re here for after all.”

Perennial is the only charity in the UK dedicated to helping all those who work in horticulture who are facing tough times. For almost 180 years, Perennial has offered advice and support to working or retired horticulturists and their families, who may be facing a period of difficulty and who need a helping hand. Perennial relies on the support of the UK horticulture industry and all those who love gardens and gardening to continue providing free confidential advice and support.

Laura Garnett, senior development manager at Perennial, added: “It will be the hardest thing I have ever done, and the only thing keeping me going will be the thought that the money we have raised will help transform someone’s life. We often share personal stories from people Perennial has helped but for me it’s the thought of those we weren’t able to get to in time that is driving me on.”

For more information, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lauraandanita

Perennialoffers free, confidential advice and support to everyone working in or retired from horticulture and their families, including gardeners, garden designers, landscapers, landscape architects, nursery and garden centre staff, parks and grounds care staff, arborists and foresters. People turn to Perennial for financial and emotional help in times of need because of disability, sickness, poverty, financial hardship and old age – although increasingly younger people are seeking assistance from the charity. Many individuals describe the services Perennial offers as a ‘lifeline’. The work of Perennial depends on voluntary donations from the horticultural industry and all those who love gardens and gardening.