Determined colleagues are putting their best foot forward in the hope of raising thousands of pounds for charity. Twenty-seven employees from Norwich-based First Home Improvements have signed up for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Pier 2 Pier walk.
The 32-mile trek takes hardy participants from Cromer to Great Yarmouth, following a fully-marked route along the popular Norfolk Coastal Path. Installations Manager Eddie Thompson is one of those lacing up his walking boots and he has a special connection to EACH as wife Becky is a nurse at The Nook.
He said: “For the last couple of years we’ve been pulling together, as a company, to take on a special charity challenge. We did the Trek 24 challenge for East Anglian Air Ambulance and then last year walked 57 miles along the Broads, raising money to support a young lad called Tommy Monument.
“On a personal note, I said that between the ages of 40 and 50 I’d like to try and help raise £50,000. That might be me organising the challenge, or just taking part.
“I’m 41 now and this Pier 2 Pier walk is a perfect event for 2023. I know what a difference EACH makes and see and hear things for myself, through Becky.
“Special people work in special places and the care and support families receive is second to none. Often they’re going through the worst time in their lives and in terms of respite care, it must be amazing to know their child is so incredibly well looked after. It’s an amazing charity.”
Eddie is being joined on the day by colleagues from different departments, including Directors and the company’s Managing Director.
“I can’t wait and love these challenges,” he said.
“Some will cope well while others will be out of their comfort zone, but we’ll all pull together to get everyone over the line. It’s so beneficial from a physical point of view but also mentally, too.
“Our business is fast-paced and work can be stressful, so it’s going to be great spending time together, raising money and sharing a sense of achievement. It gives colleagues from different departments an opportunity to have a chat and forge new contacts and friendships.
“We’re also looking forward to meeting lots of others on the day itself, as well as the team from EACH.”
The group is setting a fundraising target of £5,000 but have already raised more than £3,200. To sponsor the First Home Improvements team, click here. EACH’s Pier 2 Pier walk is taking place on 10th June.
The cost is £60 – £70 including a morning coach journey from Yarmouth to Cromer, so cars can be left near the finish – and sign-up closes on 14th May. Entry includes lunch and hot food at the finish and regular refuelling stops with snacks and drinks.
Walkers, who are asked to commit to raising £250, will also receive a finishers’ medal and an EACH technical T-shirt. For more details, head here.
