Representatives from a leading children’s charity are swapping books for bubbles in their quest to raise vital funds.
Sue Nettleingham, Gail Pritchard and Jane Rowlston have signed up for July’s Newmarket Bubble Rush and will be flying the flag for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Sue is manager of the charity’s online Book Shop while Gail and Jane support her by volunteering. The shop is based at EACH’s Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford.
The team were inspired to take on the foam-filled fundraiser because they know through their work what a difference EACH makes.
“I’ve loved it here since the day I started,” said Sue.
“It’s like being part of a community and, as a work family, we all pull together for the same common goal.
“It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had and this struck me as a fun and obvious way to give something back, by trying to drum up sponsorship.
“I remember seeing the pictures from last year’s Bubble Rush, in Norwich.
“It looked amazing and I was determined to book up as soon as possible.
“When I spoke to some of the others, they were up for getting a team together.
“It’s a perfect fundraiser, as far as I’m concerned, and I’ve always loved bubbles. I call then little orbs of happiness.
“It’s also lovely for me personally because one of my goals after turning 50 in January was to try and raise more money for charity. My connection to EACH speaks for itself but I also hope to support Dementia UK.”
EACH’s Bubble Rush features four bubble stations along a 2.5km route.
Participants can do one lap or double their enjoyment by completing the circuit twice.
Each bubble station has a cannon that pumps out coloured foam to create a giant bubble bath and everyone who takes part receives a medal and T-shirt.
This will be the first Bubble Rush in Newmarket but it has previously been a huge success in Norwich.
More than 2,500 people signed up last year and the fundraising total of more than £80,000 nearly doubled the £45,500 raised in 2022. That figure was more than any other Bubble Rush across the country in 2023.
Gail believes it sounds “great fun” while Jane said: “Now that I’m retired, I want to get involved in good causes and this is top of my list.”
EACH’s Book Shop has become a vital income stream and helps the charity continue its work supporting families and caring for children and young people.
It features all genres, both fiction and non-fiction, ranging from classics and children’s favourites to others that are rare and niche.
The shop also sells mixed media in the form of CDs, DVDs and Console games.
In an average week, EACH sells around 250 books and the average selling price is around £7.
The 2023 income was £118,198 – a huge jump from the previous year’s total of £89,753.
“There are so many hidden gems and we have lovely surprises every day,” added Sue.
“Recent examples include a bundle of 40 P.G. Wodehouse books that sold for £300 and an edition of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse that went for £175. When the buyer found out we were a charity, he kindly donated a further £25!
“Other highlights include a book by the TV chef Heston Blumenthal that went for £145 and two books on Ford cars that were sold for nearly £100. I’m constantly blown away.”
To sponsor Sue, Gail and Jane, head here.
This year’s Newmarket Bubble Rush is being held at The Links on 7th July. For more information and to book tickets, click here.
To find out more about EACH’s other programme of fundraising events, head here
