A mum whose six-year-old son received end-of-life care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) says she will be channelling his energy when she faces a nerve-jangling abseil in Norwich.
Emma Robinson has signed up for the fundraiser as a way of saying thank you for the support her family received before and after Alfie’s death in June 2017.
After a normal, healthy childhood, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and received care from the EACH team when they were based at Quidenham – the charity’s former Norfolk base, before The Nook opened in November 2019.
Emma, Alfie’s dad and her daughter, Lucy, were also supported, and she says it made an “invaluable” difference as they navigated their grief – going through “the worst thing anyone can go through”.
Now, to show her gratitude and help others, daredevil Emma is facing her fears and has signed up for the EACH Abseil. She will descend 45 feet from the top of The Forum – one of Norwich’s most iconic buildings – on Sunday, 19th April.
“Alfie would have loved something like this,” said the 47-year-old, who has previously raised funds by doing a skydive and walking up Snowdon.
“That’s why it appealed, because I know it would have his seal of approval. It’s the kind of thing he would have loved.
“Because he can’t do it, I feel it’s my duty to experience it on his behalf. I’m doing it for Alfie.
“It’s the perfect choice, and I’ll be channelling his energy and enthusiasm.
“He was an amazing little boy – an adventurous, fun-loving daredevil who enjoyed being in the thick of things.
“He was cheeky but never naughty, and nothing scared or fazed him.
“He had lots of friends and loved football, dancing, riding his bike and teasing his sister!
“He was full of life and such a character, and I know he’d be there supporting me if he could.”
Despite her enthusiasm, Emma admits being scared of heights and is nervous about climbing over the ledge at the beginning.
“That thought makes me shudder, but I’m going to push myself and think I’ll enjoy it,” she said.
“Hopefully it’ll be exhilarating and when I get to the bottom, I suspect I’ll want to do it again!”
Emma, who lives in Gorleston, is taking on the challenge with friends Sally and Kelly and their team’s name is The Ladybirds.
She will be cheered on by family and has been promised a cold glass of fizz after reaching the ground.
To show your support and sponsor the trio, head here.
The minimum age to take part in the abseil is 14, although anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult spectator (over 18).
There are slots throughout the day, from 9.30am to 4.30pm, and each participant is asked to raise at least £150.
The cost is £25, or a ticket and souvenir t-shirt can be snapped up for £30.
To book your place, head here.
For more information, fundraising tips, tricks and hints or to express an interest in volunteering, email events@each.org.uk
