Tenacious trekkers have the chance to raise vital funds for charity by taking on two energy-sapping coastal walks.
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) has confirmed the dates for this year’s Pier 2 Pier events – one in Norfolk and one in Suffolk – and both are being proudly sponsored by long-term supporters The Chestnut Group.
The Norfolk version, a gruelling 32-mile walk from Cromer to Great Yarmouth, is taking place on 7th June.
Cheers, tears and blisters were the order of the day as 130 steely walkers completed the challenge last year, in the process raising more than £56,000.
EACH’s Suffolk Pier 2 Pier walk, a 16-mile walk from Lowestoft to Southwold, will then follow on 6th September. For the first time, it is being accompanied by a separate Mini Pier 2 Pier, taking walkers on a picturesque 3.5-mile stroll around Southwold. Register your interest now, and more details will be released soon.
Last year, 140 people signed up for the main Suffolk walk, raising more than £33,500, with many donning purple t-shirts to show their support for EACH.
“We can’t wait for our popular Pier 2 Pier walks to return in 2025,” said EACH Senior Events Fundraiser Emma Cook.
“They’re a staple part of our events calendar, and it’s always a pleasure to welcome so many people, united in their mission to complete a very testing challenge but primarily to raise as much as possible for our charity.
“Funds from events like this make such a significant difference in terms of the care and support we provide children and families across the region.
“This year’s walks will be particularly special as both are being generously sponsored by The Chestnut Group.
“We’re so incredibly grateful for their support and look forward to working closely together later this year.”
Last year’s Norfolk Pier 2 Pier was a particularly special occasion for the Radcliffe family, from Cambridgeshire.
Together with many friends, they formed a team of 31 people sporting orange capes and glitter and representing the ‘Just George’ team.
Between them, they raised more than £26,000 and were showing their support as a thank you for the care four-year-old George Radcliffe received at Milton – EACH’s Cambridgeshire base – after being diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (a soft tissue tumour) in May 2022.
He was referred to EACH the following Spring and died at the hospice in October 2023.
Parents David and Lisa have subsequently received bereavement support, and David was among those to take on the challenge, while Lisa and two close friends gave up their time as volunteers, handing out medals at the finish.
To find out more, book a place and read about other fundraising events, head here.
