Determined walkers put their best foot forward and raised more than £50,000 after completing a successful new endurance event in Suffolk. The Pier 2 Pier challenge took participants on a 16-mile trek from Lowestoft to Southwold, and was organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The charity already hosts a similar event in Norfolk, but this was the first time it had arranged one in Suffolk. In total, 164 people took part and they raised over £50,000.
Everyone left at 8am, blessed with perfect conditions, and the first person arrived in Southwold just after 11.30am.
Emma Cook, EACH Events Fundraiser, said: “It was a huge success and an overwhelmingly positive day, especially as this was a brand new event in Suffolk. As with anything new, you never know what the reaction will be, but we were thrilled with the sign-up numbers and, of course, the total raised. It’s an amazing amount of money and will make such a difference to our vital work.
“People seemed to enjoy the route and the feedback was positive, including from some who said it compared favourably to the Norfolk Pier 2 Pier. Our sincere thanks go to everyone who took part, the businesses that supported us and all the amazing, helpful volunteers.”
The event was sponsored by Tuff Stuff and staff from the company took part in the walk. There was also a 34-strong group from Center Parcs, along with corporate teams from Premier Travel, Midwich, Bedford Lodge Hotel, NBC Environment, Daregal Gourmet and Serve Talent. The five and ten-mile refreshments were supplied free of charge by Rapid Relief.
Family members receiving support from EACH also took part while the age range spanned an 18-year-old to someone due to celebrate his 80th birthday in November.
Next year’s events are now live on the EACH website and you can book up by clicking here. The Suffolk Pier 2 Pier is taking place on 11th May, with the Norfolk edition being on 22nd June.
