A determined couple raised more than £1,750 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) after completing an epic walking challenge around Norfolk.
Phil and Arlene Barnard, both 55, spent eight days trekking from Thetford along the Peddars Way to Hunstanton, before joining the Norfolk Coast Path and continuing to Lowestoft.
They then completed the final leg back to Thetford, covering a total of 208 miles and raising an impressive £1,754.
Phil said: “It was amazing and a very enjoyable experience.
“Physically, we managed to get into a rhythm, and it was lovely exploring such quiet, peaceful parts of the county.
“There were times when we didn’t see anyone for hours, and it was great to escape the busy areas. It was like being in a different world.”
The couple, from Wicken, near EACH’s hospice in Milton, stopped at various EACH shops along the way, including those in Sheringham, Soham, Bungay and Beccles.
Arlene added: “It was truly inspiring and a lovely thing to experience together.
“We both felt so proud to be supporting EACH.
“Learning more about its work puts everything in perspective, and we felt pleased to be able to help.”
Phil previously raised money through his involvement with the Red Pouches – a group of Royal Mail colleagues who organised fundraising challenges for causes across Cambridgeshire.
More recently, he and Arlene recently had a tour of EACH’s hospice in Milton, gaining a deeper understanding of its vital work.
Phil said: “It’s a fantastic place, and I was so impressed to find out how whole families are supported, not just the child receiving care.
“It doesn’t feel at all clinical and is much more homely than I expected.”
Arlene described the hospice as “peaceful” and hopes their challenge will encourage others to support the charity.
“Hopefully other people will feel inspired to do what they can to help raise funds,” she said.
“It was our pleasure to help support the great work the charity provides to the community. We felt immensely privileged.”
Phil and Arlene completed their challenge in June and recently presented a cheque to Victoria Goldsmith, EACH’s Senior Community Fundraiser for Cambridgeshire.
Victoria said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Phil and Arlene for taking on such an amazing challenge and raising such a fantastic amount for EACH.
“Walking 208 miles in just eight days is a tremendous achievement and demonstrates their commitment to supporting families receiving our care and support.
“The money they raised will help us continue our vital work, and we’d like to thank everyone who donated and encouraged them along the way.”
