A bookworm with a passion for helping others is celebrating another chapter of success after raising more than £500 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Ipswich’s Vimmi Hayes sells books and stores them in a rabbit hutch, so passers-by can take a look, pick one and make a donation.
It is an initiative she has been running for six years, raising £537 during 2023. Her overall EACH total stands at approximately £2,800.
Vimmi, 50, recently handed over a cheque when meeting Senior Community Fundraiser Ali Butler during a visit to The Treehouse.
“Six years on, I continue to be delighted at the way everyone supports my book hutch,” said the mum of two.
“It feels like a community effort and so many people walk past and take time to browse.
“For some, it’s part of their routine to visit – they see it as a regular place to pick up and donate books – and for others it’s about supporting EACH.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has made this a success.”
To her amusement, Vimmi has become known as “the book lady” in her part of Ipswich.
“It sounds like Vimmi had another busy year and £537 is a fantastic total,” said Ali.
“It was lovely to meet her and we’re very grateful for her amazing, ongoing support.”
