Spirited fundraisers rallied together to complete an epic walking challenge and raise more than £40,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The charity’s Pier to Pier event was a 32-mile trek along the beautiful Norfolk Coastal Path. More than 160 people took part, starting in Cromer and wearily finishing several hours later in Great Yarmouth.
EACH events fundraiser Hannah Forbester said: “It was a huge success and we were delighted to raise more than £40,000. The support was fantastic and I loved seeing everyone rally together. There was a real sense of camaraderie and so much encouragement along the way. Prior to the walk, there had been lots of chatting in the event Facebook group. There was a real sense of excitement and it was lovely for people to meet up and share the experience on the day. The feedback after the event was very positive, too. It’s a huge challenge, both mentally and physically, and, understandably, there were a few nerves. However, everyone looked out for each other and the bigger groups buddied up with individuals and couples walking alone. There was a strong team ethic and everyone was determined to help each other over the finish line.”
It was a particularly special day for Marcus Amps-Woodward, who, along with older brother Daniel, had signed up in memory of best friend Rebekah Barber, who received care at EACH’s hospice in Milton, Cambridgeshire. She had a rare, gene-linked brain malformation calledLissencephaly and died in July 2016, aged 10. By coincidence, this year’s event took place on Marcus’s 16th birthday – 25th June.
“Marcus, his family and friends did an amazing job and we surprised him with a birthday card and cakes at the finish,” added Hannah. “It was lovely to see them all enjoying the occasion together. Among the other groups to take part were a team from the King’s Lynn parkrun. They certainly enjoyed themselves and it was fantastic that so many people stayed together afterwards, feeling a real sense of achievement and soaking it all up.”
The walk was organised with support from event management company Gladiator Events. “They were brilliant and ensured everything ran smoothly,” said Hannah. It meant we could focus on what we needed to do. We were also very grateful to the Cromer branch of Morrisons and the charity Rapid Relief. Both donated drinks and snacks for the rest stops. Likewise Norfolk and Suffolk 4x4 Response (made up of volunteers who commit their own time and vehicles to assist the emergency services), for being on hand if we needed them.”
A planning meeting has been planned for later this month to discuss next year’s EACH events, including Pier to Pier. EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. It has three hospices, including The Nook, in Framingham Earl.
Bowls enthusiasts who competed in the popular four-week Visit Great Yarmouth Festival of Bowls 2023 have helped raise hundreds of pounds for charities in the borough.
The UK's biggest outdoor bowls festival, Visit Great Yarmouth Festival of Bowls, is organised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the Festival of Bowls Committee, sponsored by Visit Great Yarmouth.
A tombola took place throughout the festival, from August 27 to September 22, which raised £1,330.The tombola, organised by members of the Festival of Bowls committee, raised £500 for Caister Lifeboat, £500 for Hemsby Lifeboat and £330 for The Well.
Last week, a team of seven trekkers walked 100 miles for the UK’s 54 children’s hospices including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The team, made up of crafting superstore Hobbycraft’s leadership team, and leading children’s palliative care charity Together for Short Lives’ Chief Executive, are aiming to raise £50,000 to support the UK’s 54 children’s hospices.
Setting off in Thetford on Friday 22 September, the trekkers – known as the ‘Magnificent Seven’ – completed the Angles Way Walk through Norfolk and Suffolk, finishing in Great Yarmouth on Monday 25 September. The trek is their eighth, which has so far totalled 800 miles for seriously ill children and their families across the country.
One family in particular were cheering on the team from their local children’s hospice, EACH. Five-year-old Libby, from Peterborough, lives with Bohring-Opitz syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the development of many parts of the body. Libby needs 24/7 care and is unable to sit, crawl or walk. She is severely delayed, having to have someone watch her at all times to check she is safe. She also needs postural care, is being treated for seizures and is fed through a feeding tube 16-hours-a-day.
Great Yarmouth and Gorleston are set to shine even brighter during this year's Organ Donation Week with six of the borough's most iconic buildings illuminated to raise awareness and encourage discussions about the importance of organ donation.
For Organ Donation Week this year - celebrated nationally from September 18 until 24 - the aim is to encourage at least 25,000 people to save future lives by taking two minutes to confirm their organ donation decision at www.organdonation.nhs.uk
The six buildings that will be bathed in a vibrant display of pink lights include Town Hall, Tollhouse, St George's Theatre, the Minster Church of St Nicholas, the Arc Cinema and Gorleston Pavilion.The illuminations will run for seven evenings from Monday, September 18, from dusk until late, providing a picturesque backdrop for people to enjoy.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council is delighted to announce that it has, once again, been honoured with the prestigious RSPCA PawPrints: Stray Dog Services Award (Gold). This recognition underscores the council's unwavering commitment to the welfare of stray dogs and its dedication to providing outstanding animal care services.
Launched in 2008, the RSPCA PawPrints Awards celebrate the outstanding work of local authorities across the UK in animal welfare, responsible pet ownership and the provision of services for stray dogs. Awards are granted based on the achievements and standards set by participating councils.
This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of the council's Animal Control Team, which has consistently demonstrated compassion, expertise and dedication to improving the lives of stray dogs in the Great Yarmouth area.
Spirited Susan Cox soared to new heights in her quest to raise funds for charity. The 69-year-old daredevil was left on cloud nine after completing an epic wing walk – in the process raising £1,500 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Her adrenaline-filled challenge took place at Shuttleworth Aerodrome, in Bedfordshire, on 7th July.
“It was a fantastic experience,” said Susan, who lives in Woodton. “My heart was racing as we taxied down the runway but before I knew it we were up, up and away. The feeling of speeding to the ground was absolutely thrilling and I’m so glad I did it. It’s something I’ll never forget. It’s something I intend doing again next year – hopefully with a loop-the-loop thrown in for good measure!”