A team of daredevil supporters undertook a parachute jump for the garden charity to raise money for a garden at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice in Sheffield.
Nine intrepid jumpers took on the challenge on Saturday, September 26, with perfect sunny and clear weather conditions, at the Army Parachute Association's headquarters in Netheravon, Wiltshire. The brave jumpers were Homebase buyer Grace Meehan, Phillippa Stubbs from the British Garden Centre Group, Millie Quinton-Smith, Lulu Wijayasekara, Oli Boggis, James Dickson and the father, mother and daughter team of Simon, Angie and Ollie Tuck.

The challenge was inspired by LOFA's Phil Gibbs, who is a keen skydiver, and was on hand on the day to give the jumpers extra support and encouragement, along with other supporters including Simon and Caroline Quinton-Smith and Spencer Goodall.

The event has raised £4,500 so far - a figure that is expected to rise - with Grace Meehan raising £1,000, which will be matched by a £400 donation from Homebase. Philippa Stubbs raised an impressive £400 in just three days after signing up for the jump only a few days before.

The money raised from the parachute jump will go directly to Greenfingers' planned garden at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice in Sheffield, which will be built as part of the charity's A Million Moments Appeal.

Greenfingers head of fundraising Linda Petrons said: "We have all had a brilliant day here in Wiltshire! Thank you to all our brave jumpers, and their family and friends who came to support them. We are very proud of them all for undertaking the challenge with great enthusiasm and excitement and look forward to putting the funds raised to very good use at the Bluebell Wood Hospice bereavement suites."

There is still time to contribute funds and support the Bluebell Wood garden by sponsoring one of the brave parachute jumpers - Greenfingers own Ollie Tuck - via her Just Giving page - www.justgiving.com/Ollie-Tuck1/

The success of this year's jump has meant that Greenfingers' plan to turn the challenge in to an annual event - next year's parachute jump will take place on September 24, 2016. Anyone who wishes to get involved in the event can register interest now by emailing info@greenfingerscharity.org.uk