Fancy yourself as a penalty taker? Think you could have been an asset to the England team at this summer’s World Cup? If you are attending SALTEX 2014 (2 – 4 September) you’ll have your chance to find out. Visit the Perennial stand H85 to get involved – and raise some money for horticulturists at the same time.

Jo Ayley, Head of Development at Perennial, says: “We wanted to have a bit of fun with SALTEX visitors and fellow exhibitors this year to celebrate our 175^th anniversary.

“With football fever at an all time high following the Brazil World Cup we thought we’d see if those who usually look after the pitches can also take the penalties – we expect the competition to be strong!”

The SALTEX Kickathon forms part of HortAid 2014, Perennial’s annual fundraising campaign which this year hopes to raise £175,000 to help horticulturists in need.

Perennial’s wide-ranging benevolent services are regularly described by clients simply as a ‘lifeline’ but without the financial support of the UK horticulture industry, their long-term continuation is threatened.

The 175^th anniversary appeal is seen as the first step in galvanising future relationships with supporters and a stepping-stone to reaching a record number of clients in 2014/15.