There were balloons, banners and bunting aplenty at a charity shop in Poringland as staff and volunteers celebrate its first birthday.
As well as being able to browse for a bargain, customers of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) are being treated to cakes. A guess the name of a giant teddy bear competition is running and any children dropping by can pick up a free book.
The shop is on the doorstep of the nook, EACH’s new hospice that has been under construction since November 2017
Maria Hall, Shop Manager, said: “It’s been a great first year becoming part of the community here and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who’s donated items and volunteered here over the 12 months. Excitingly, the nook is now close to opening and we hope people in the area continue shopping here to support our service caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and supporting their families.”
The shop, in Overtons Way, is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Chartered surveyor Ben Du Brow cut the ribbon last year. He was one of three vendors of the land EACH bought to build the nook – and he very generously donated all his share back.
EACH shops are always in need of donations of the following clean and good-quality items to sell: clothing, bric-a-brac, modern paperbacks, toys, jewellery, DVDs/CDs, household linens, retro and vintage clothes, and small electrical items.
EACH also needs donations of good-quality furniture and can collect it free of charge if you are unable to transport it yourself. You can contact the charity’s Retail Distribution Centre on 01842 821620 for more information.
Anyone interested in more information on volunteering at the Poringland shop can drop by for a chat, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01603 984498.
Young bookworms have the chance to treat themselves to a new summer holiday read as part of an initiative run by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The charity, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, has 44 Retail shops across East Anglia.
All are running a campaign throughout the school holidays whereby children can pop in and pick up a free book.
EACH Head of Retail Central Operations Sarah Throssell said: “We’re thrilled to be running this fabulous initiative again. “It’s a regular school holiday event for us and, as ever, we hope it encourages and entertains young readers throughout the summer. It’s always popular and well-received, particularly during the school holidays when families may be struggling for low-cost ideas to keep children entertained".
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.”
Music maestro Barry Holden has admitted feeling “incredibly happy and proud” after raising just over £10,000 from the last of his hugely popular Norfolk festivals.
The 77-year-old has raised thousands of pounds for charities including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) by staging a series of Live Aid-style concerts in North Walsham.
The first was in 1986, inspired by Sir Bob Geldof’s global fundraiser, and another took place in January 2005, in the aftermath of the devastating Boxing Day tsunami. Barry’s gigs have since taken place every year bar two, because of Covid, but it was the end of an era when the last one was held at North Walsham Community Centre on Saturday, 28th May.
It was in aid of EACH and Addenbrooke's Teenagers Cancer Trust and both charities will receive £5,100.
Steely cyclists saddled up for a bumper biking challenge and raised more than £50,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The charity’s popular Ride for Life event took place last weekend, with 32 people pedalling 200 miles through the Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire countryside. Many more signed up for a one-day, 70-mile package, with 39 riding on Friday and 34 on both Saturday and Sunday. Between them, they raised a staggering £51,225 for EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia.
Events fundraiser Hannah Forbester said: “It was a huge success. “Everything went smoothly and everyone seemed to enjoy the experience. In terms of the amount raised, it’s an outstanding total. We were on around £45,000 by close of play on Thursday, so a further £6,000 came in while the cyclists were in action on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We couldn’t be happier and there’s still more sponsorship money to come, so that figure will grow even more. We were also thrilled to get such high numbers taking part. Everyone bonded and enjoyed sharing the experience together. Little groups formed, depending on pace, and there was plenty of encouragement for each other along the way. People made a point of clapping others as they arrived at the rest stops. We’ve had lots of positive feedback since and I know people who did the three-day challenge enjoyed cycling alongside those taking part on individual days. They said it gave them a real injection of energy.”
More than 300 classic scooters from all over East Anglia blazed a spectacular trail during an Easter fundraiser in rural Norfolk.
The dazzling convoy organised by Norwich Scooter Collective visited The Nook, run by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) in Framingham Earl.
Kind-hearted riders gathered for pictures before handing over a cash donation of £1,600, in addition to toys, books and games for youngsters to enjoy.
A further donation is set to follow as the club have a St George’s Day ride planned on Sunday, 24th April.
The Easter fundraiser has become a long-standing tradition among the club’s members. They started their journey outside the Broadland District Council offices in Yarmouth Road, Norwich, and the impressive procession included classic Vespas and Lambrettas. They were joined by friends owning Volkswagen vans.