Families enjoyed a day of foam-filled fun and helped raise more than £80,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Despite blustery conditions, the charity’s popular Bubble Rush event took place at the Norwich Showground, on Sunday. More than 2,500 people signed up – 1,000 more than last year – and the fundraising total nearly doubled the £45,500 raised in 2022.
“It was an incredibly successful day and we were delighted to raise such an extraordinary amount of money,” said EACH Events Fundraiser Emma Cook. “It’s the most we’ve ever raised from a mass-participation event of this nature and everyone had great fun. The feedback has been positive and we’ve loved seeing people’s colourful photos on social media.
“We had lots of first-time sign-ups and it’s something people of all ages and abilities can take part it, including those with pushchairs or in wheelchairs. It’s very family-friendly and therefore a great fit for EACH.”
The Bubble Rush came hot on the heels of EACH’s Piglet Junior Hog event, held near Woodbridge the previous Sunday, which had over 1,300 participants and nearly hit the £50,000-mark.
“It’s been a busy but amazing fortnight, with our two mass-participation events taking place on back-to-back weekends,” said Emma. “Both were huge successes and the record-breaking figures from both made all the hard work worthwhile. In terms of the money raised, it will make such an monumental difference to the children, young people and families receiving our care and support.
“Thank you to everyone who signed up and took part and, in terms of the Bubble Rush, I’d also like to thank our main sponsors, Bateman Groundworks. We’re also grateful for the support of our three main bubble arch sponsors – A-Plan Insurance, Landscaping by Bangs and Donnelly Watson. Lastly, I must also thank the staff and brilliant volunteers who turned out in force to ensure the smooth running of the event. It wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
The course featured four bubble stations along a 2.5km route. Participants could do one lap or double their enjoyment by completing the circuit twice. Each bubble station had a cannon which pumped out coloured foam to create a four-foot deep bubble bath.
Among those to take part were families receiving support from EACH and bereaved mum Deborah Goddard, who was joined by family and friends for a poignant hen party with a difference. She wanted to raise funds for the charity as it supported her following the death of her baby daughter in April 2022. Jovie was just a year and 11 days old and, afterwards, Deborah and her family spent time making memories at The Nook. She said signing up and raising funds was her way of giving something back.
“Although it was blustery, we were grateful that the wind dropped significantly compared to Saturday,” added Emma. Had it not, we would have had to cancel the event and that would have been heart-breaking. As it was, we reduced the number of gazebos and weren’t able to use our normal inflatable arches at the start and finish. However, apart from that, there was very little disruption and we were able to press on as planned.”
Both the Piglet and Norwich Bubble Rush have already been booked for next year. Click here to register your interest and benefit from super early-bird prices.
The next big event for EACH is its new Suffolk Pier 2 Pier walk, from Lowestoft to Southwold, on 2nd September.
Pictures: Karen Self/EACH
