Stoic walkers failed to let heavy rain dampen their spirits as they embarked on an energy-sapping 32-mile trek for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) – in the process raising nearly £40,000.
Forty-nine people took on the charity’s rearranged Pier 2 Pier Norfolk challenge on Saturday, making their way along the coastal path from Cromer to Great Yarmouth.
They endured miserable conditions but kept smiling and were rewarded with fish and chips after arriving at their destination.
EACH Events Fundraiser Ellie Nevard said: “I’m in complete admiration and so thankful to everyone who signed up and took part.
“The conditions were awful, but I didn’t hear anyone complain.
“Instead, everyone kept smiling and showed such resilience, focusing on the task at hand and clearly proud and passionate about supporting our fantastic charity.
“Everyone was brilliant and stayed in good spirits throughout, despite being soaked to the bone when the heavens opened.”
Participants, including some with special, personal connections to EACH, set off at 7am and the first finisher arrived in Great Yarmouth shortly before 4pm.
Everyone received a medal and Ellie said she was grateful to those who signed up, given Pier 2 Pier had originally been scheduled to take place on 7th June.
“Unfortunately, we had to postpone on that occasion due to a combination of factors, including the threat of thunderstorms and strong winds,” she said.
“Although Saturday’s forecast was poor, because of the rain, there were no safety concerns, so we were able to press on with our plans.
“Our thanks go to everyone for their patience and understanding, and I hope those that took part enjoyed the experience and created some fun, special memories.”
Ellie said she was grateful to Pier 2 Pier sponsors The Chestnut Group, who provided goodie bags for every participant, and event management company Gladiator Events.
She also thanked all the volunteers who gave up their time to ensure the smooth-running of the day.
The next big dates in the EACH events calendar are the new St Edmundsbury Cathedral Abseil, on 16th August, and the Suffolk Pier 2 Pier walk, on 6th September. A Mini Pier 2 Pier event is taking place on the same day, giving young fundraisers and their families a chance to walk 3.5 miles around Southwold.
Pictures: Dik Ng and Karen Self
