12th June 2009
A group of local young ladies have completed a mammoth fundraising trek, raising almost £2000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
EACH provide care and support to local life-threatened children and their families at the Ipswich Hospice, and in family homes throughout the region.
Karen Juby, Victoria Moyes, Lucy Parker and Carly Free, who are all in their twenties, completed their epic 50 mile sponsored walk on Saturday 16th May.
Around 18 walkers started the hike in Holbrook at 8am, and the route took them along the Shotley Peninsula passing some beautiful views including Flatford Mill, Dedham, Langham, East Bergholt and Felixstowe Dock.
Just six of the original team reached the 50 mile finish line, a massive 17 and half hours later.
Karen commented "Getting to the half-way point of 25 miles was an achievement in itself, and many of the team had reached their limit and retired at this point. Reaching 30 miles as the sun was setting was our toughest moment physically and emotionally, but the four of us shared plasters and shoulders to cry on, and somehow managed to carry on!"
She added "By the 45 mile point we were in pitch black with nothing but our head torches showing the way, and there were many scary encounters with the local wildlife, including bulls and grass snakes! There were only six of us left at this point, but the end was in sight and sheer determination carried us through the last 5 miles."
After 17 and a half hours of walking they finally returned to Holbrook at 1:30am on Sunday morning to a well-deserved round of applause. Karen said "The four of us were so proud, and there were tears of joy all round! We’re thrilled to have raised almost £2000 for EACH."
Mark Fox, Community Fundraiser for EACH commented, "This is a fantastic achievement, and a brilliant amount to have raised. At EACH we rely on public support for the vast majority of our income, and this money will help us provide vital care and support to local life-threatened children and their families."
To find out more about EACH and how you can get involved in fundraising, contact the Funding office (tel: 01953 715559)
