A popular charity shop volunteer is taking his dedication to new heights by climbing to the top of The O2.
Trevor Hewitt spends three days a week helping in the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store in Colchester High Street.
He has been showing his support for four and a half years, and, because of his learning difficulties, says it is a place he feels both “accepted and valued”.
Now the 38-year-old is planning to show his commitment in another way – bravely brushing aside his fear of heights by climbing 52 metres to reach the summit of the iconic London landmark.
From the top of The O2, he will stand 52 metres high with spectacular 360-degree views of the capital, including Greenwich, The Olympic Park and Canary Wharf.
Trevor, who lives in Colchester, is taking on the fundraising climb on 10th July.
“I’m both excited and nervous and feel a big sense of responsibility, given people have already donated so much,” said the former pupil at the city’s Kingswode Hoe School.
“I can’t believe how generous everyone’s being and am very proud.
“I’m looking forward to it but also feel nervous, as I’m scared of heights. I’ve got butterflies but want to challenge myself, because I feel so passionately about EACH.
“I know the children and families receiving care and support need lots of help, and hopefully the money I raise makes people happy.”
Trevor has been to The O2 before – keeping his feet firmly on the ground to watch Britney Spears and The X Factor Live concerts.
He will be joined on 10th July by fellow EACH volunteer Steve Williams and supported from afar by all his friends in the charity’s High Street shop.
He started volunteering there shortly after the store opened and now spares four hours every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
“I love it, especially serving customers and being able to help people,” said fishing and wrestling fan Trevor, who also plays darts in the Colchester and District League.
“It’s such a brilliant team – staff and volunteers – and something I find very rewarding.
“I’d come in every day if I had the time, and they can’t keep me away. I’ll always pop in if I’m passing and will phone if I’m free, in case they need an extra pair of hands.”
Mum Dee says she feels grateful for the friendship and support he gets from EACH.
“Trevor has learning difficulties, and things aren’t always easy for him,” she said.
“However, helping in the shop makes him genuinely happy, and it’s somewhere he feels accepted and valued.
“That hasn’t always been the case when he’s tried to get paid employment elsewhere. Sometimes he needs things explained to him three or four times, and other people just don’t have the patience or understanding.
“Here, it’s very different, and I’m so grateful for the friendships he’s built, and the support he receives from (shop manager) Sammy Maudlin and (deputy shop manager) Sue Baker. They make him feel included and part of something special.”
To show your support and sponsor Trevor, head here.
Anyone interested in joining him and becoming a volunteer at EACH’s Colchester High Street shop can pop in for a chat, email Sammy via [email protected] or call 01206 489732.
