CHARITABLE GREENKEEPER RECEIVES MOWER To allow him to continue gardening for the disadvantaged
Hayter say they are proud to support charitable greenkeeper Jack Percival in his quest of donating free gardening services to people in need, by gifting him an Osprey 46. The mower will support Jack in taking on further ‘charity-mows’ in his local community and beyond.
L-R: Ian Harwood, Groundserv; Jack Percival; Alistair Tod, Hayter
Jack, the deputy course manager at Chipstead Golf Club (Surrey), started donating his services earlier this year to help those less able to care for their gardens to get out and enjoy their outdoor space. It has already made a big difference to those receiving his support including the elderly, ill, disabled and charity workers.
This charity project is not Jack’s first though. Over the last few years, Jack has been working hard to support the homeless community around Croydon by rallying people through social media to donate food, drinks, clothing and hygiene products, and has to date helped over 75 people in need. His work in supporting the homeless was recognised by being awarded the Jacobsen Outstanding Achievement of the Year Award at the Harrogate BTME.
Jack knows first-hand through a brush with homelessness how tough life can be and how much kindness and support from others can mean when in need. In Jack’s case, a family friend gave him the chance to get back on his feet and start a career in grounds care, something that has continued to inspire him to help others.
Jack says, “Charity work means a great deal to me and I am so grateful I’m able to combine my passions for greenkeeping and being outdoors with my charity work. I am so grateful for the support I received from Hayter and can’t wait to get out and donate my services so that more people enjoy the benefits of being out in their gardens.
“You never know what someone else is going through. What might seem like a small gesture to you could mean a world of difference to someone else. I have experienced it myself and see it in the people I help. It is so important to spread kindness whenever possible. It doesn’t matter if it’s 10 minutes or several hours, it all makes a difference.”
Craig Hoare, sales and marketing director at Hayter said, “We were impressed when we heard about the work Jack has been doing for people in his community and we are pleased to support him in this project going forward by offering him the tools to help more people.”
The mower, which was collected at Jack’s local Hayter dealership, Groundserv, will be taking on more projects across the Sutton and Croydon area. If you know someone who would benefit from Jack’s services, share your nominations to his Twitter at @jackpercival99.