More than 50 people, including service users from the charity, took part in the 13.5 mile walk from Rochdale to Old Trafford.
On Friday 14th June we held our annual sponsored walk to raise money towards our annual journey to the RHS Tatton Flower Show.
The show has become a fixture in our calendar, with service users of our community allotment PIER co-creating award winning show gardens that demonstrate what vulnerable people can achieve when they are empowered, trusted and believed in.
This year, the walk was arranged in partnership with long-term supporters J Parker’s and was bigger and better than ever before!
Walkers set off from PIER in Rochdale, and followed a 13.5-mile route to the J Parker’s head office in Old Trafford.
More than 50 staff and volunteers from both Petrus and J Parker's were joined along the route by Petrus service users with lived experience of homelessness.
Petrus Wellbeing and Engagement Service Manager, Silvana Devine said: This was an incredible challenge; unlike anything we’ve done before, and we couldn’t have pulled it off without the support of J Parkers! From route planning to walking arm in arm with our service users, they were there for us every step of the way. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part and donated for helping us raise such an incredible amount and showing our service users that they belong.”
The last walkers crossed the finish line after just over 6 hours of walking and were greeted by celebratory BBQ organised by the J Parker’s team.
J Parker's Offline Marketing Manager, Edward Doherty said: “At J Parker’s, we understand the power gardening has to connect people and boost their wellbeing, and that’s what we love about what Petrus is doing. We’ve seen the impact of their services first-hand at PIER and we’re really proud of all of the members of the Parker’s team that came together to raise money for this amazing work!”
We have worked with J Parker’s since meeting them at the RHS Tatton Flower show in 2023. Over the course of this year the gardening retailer has donated more than £750 worth of plants, bulbs and seeds and even a garden archway and fencing from their entry to the RHS Urban Show.
With over £4,500 raised through the event, Petrus are well on their way to returning to the show for their 5th year where this year they will bring ‘The Kaleidoscope Ginnel Garden,’ to life!
The RHS Flower Show Tatton Park takes place from 17-21 July and the charity still have a long way to go on their journey. Donations can be made via their enthuse page, https://petruscommunity.enthuse.com/cf/green-social-prescribing-and-pier-allotment