Dedicated fundraisers have been busy generating vital funds for families receiving care and support from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The Nook Friends, a loyal group supporting EACH’s hospice in Framingham Earl, have organised and taken part in a series of initiatives in recent weeks – from a bake sale and quiz night to a daring skydive and running a fundraising stall at a miniature railway event in Norwich.
The tireless group was formed in March 2015, following the launch of The Nook Appeal – a five-year public appeal to help raise £10 million to fund EACH’s new Norfolk hospice – the previous November.
Ever since, they have organised and hosted a series of successful events, while also volunteering their time to support hospice staff and families. Overall, they have raised around £250,000.
Among their recent successes was a ‘Muffins and More’ bake sale outside EACH’s shop in Poringland. They also hosted a sold-out quiz night at The Nook, while more recently members raised funds by having a stall at an event hosted by Eaton Park Miniature Railway.
Those three initiatives alone raised £1,601, and there is more money to come from the railway fundraiser, with revenue from ticket fares being donated to EACH.
In addition, group stalwart Roy Grage took part in EACH’s recent Skydive Day, raising a fantastic £1,340 plus Gift Aid.
The group continues to host its popular, fortnightly Coffee and Cake afternoons at The Nook, which have attracted even more visitors during the recent spell of spring sunshine.
“We continue to be incredibly grateful for the dedication, enthusiasm and generosity shown by The Nook Friends,” said EACH Community Fundraiser Cassie Hollis.
“They’re fantastic ambassadors for our charity and make a huge difference through their fundraising, volunteering and community support.
“Every pound raised helps us continue providing vital care and support for children and their families, and we can’t thank them enough for everything they do.”
The Nook Friends group has around 30 members and meets approximately every six weeks.
Five years after the launch of The Nook Appeal, The Nook was officially opened by The Princess of Wales – then The Duchess of Cambridge – in November 2019, replacing EACH’s former Norfolk hospice at Quidenham.
