Committed Center Parcs colleagues are lacing up their walking boots for a gruelling 84-mile journey along the Norfolk Coastal Path.
Twenty-one members of the Elveden Forest team are trekking along the Norfolk Coastal Path to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Over the course of four days, they are starting at Hunstanton on 26th June and will snake their way to the finish line at Hopton-on-Sea.
Camping en route, they will be joined by a five-strong support crew and together hope to raise £15,000.
Among those taking part is Elveden Forest Director Nicky Richardson, who is also an EACH Trustee.
“Eighty-four miles is going to be a significant challenge,” she said.
“Looking at a map, and seeing the enormous distance we’ve got to cover, really brought it home to me.
“It’s going to be tough, and I’m as apprehensive about the camping as I am the walking!
“However, I love a challenge and am proud and excited to be sharing this experience with so many of my fantastic, dedicated colleagues.
“When people first started signing up, we gave them a cooling-off period. We didn’t want them to agree to such a huge feat and then have regrets.
“However, no-one dropped out, and it’s going to be a real mix of staff. Every division is represented, and it’s going to be great to tackle this together.
“The support crew are also a vital part of our team. They are providing us with first aid support, as well as keeping us hydrated and being our cheerleaders when things get tough.
“We wanted this adventure to be inclusive and fully appreciate not everyone can walk 84 miles.
“That’s where the support crew come in, because they can offer value in different ways and have an invaluable role to play.”
EACH already has a close relationship with Center Parcs thanks to the latter’s partnership with Together for Short Lives – the national charity supporting all 54 of the UK’s children’s hospices. Every village is linked to its local hospice, and, at Elveden, that is The Nook.
“EACH is a charity that resonates with so many, and we’re always happy and proud to be in a position to show our support,” said Nicky.
“We’ve supported various charities down the years, but I’ve never known engagement like it, when it comes to EACH.
“It’s because people can see with their own eyes the difference their fundraising makes.
“We get to meet families receiving support, and it’s humbling. It becomes personal, and that’s the catalyst for our commitment.”
Fittingly, given the cause they are supporting, the team have arranged to spend one night camping on land owned by a family receiving support from EACH.
It is not the first time Center Parcs colleagues have taken on a walking challenge for EACH.
A group raised £9,000 by completing last year’s Pier 2 Pier Norfolk trek, taking in a 32-mile stretch of the Norfolk Coastal Path.
“It was such a positive, collective experience, and many of those joining us this year also completed the 32 miles,” added Nicky.
“It led to so many corridor conversations afterwards, with everyone reflecting on a great experience and comparing the progress of their blisters!
“There are just under 2,000 members of staff here, so it’s impossible to get to know everyone individually. However, this shared experience gives me an opportunity to get to know some of them better.”
To show your support and sponsor the team, head here.
