Friends smash ‘six peaks challenge’ to raise over £3,000 for the nook appeal

A group of seven Norfolk friends have completed both the National Three Peaks Challenge and the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in an incredible time of just 20 hours and 23 minutes.

Andrew Sabberton, Chris Yates, Steve Reed, Tom Hurd, Colin Jones, Kevin Rooney and Elliot Greenleaf conquered Scotland’s Ben Nevis in four hours and 10 minutes, and England’s Scafell Pike in three hours and 30 minutes. Then, alongside their support crew of three, they drove to Yorkshire, scaling Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent in 10 hours. Finally, they reached the top of Wales’ Snowdon in just less than three hours.

Their efforts saw them walk almost 55 miles (86km), with a bit of downhill running included. The challenge, including travel between peaks, was done in 35 hours.

The inspiration was Andrew’s niece, Lauren, who had Patau’s syndrome and received care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) before she, sadly, died at the age of 15 months.

Before the challenge, Andrew said: “EACH gave absolutely essential help and support. What an amazing charity that offers so much help to families with children with life-limiting conditions at such a difficult time in their lives.”

So far, over £3,000 has been raised for EACH’s nook appeal.

Tim Jenkins, EACH Norfolk Community Fundraiser, said: “What a truly epic challenge this was for the chaps! Thank you so much to all of them for this massive undertaking to help raise money. Support like this is really invaluable.”

There is still time to show your support for the group, who were supported by Norwich’s Gnaw Chocolate. Donate now at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewSabberton. For more information about the nook appeal go to www.each.org.uk/the-nook.

 

Ho ho ho! Santa fun runs returning to Norfolk

Norwich and Poringland are to be transformed into a sea of red jackets and white beards once again when East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) hosts its popular Santa runs.

The Norwich run will be over two kilometres (1.2 miles) at Eaton Park on Sunday, 9 December, whilst the Poringland one will be over five kilometres (3.1 miles), starting and finishing at Framingham Earl High School, on Sunday, 16 December. Both will get under way at 11am.

Emma Benstead, EACH Norfolk Fundraising Assistant, said: “We’re delighted, as always, to be helping people get in the Christmas spirit. Please come along and join in the fun!

“Money raised at the Santa run in Norwich will help us continue caring for the 129 children and young people with life-threatening conditions in Norfolk who are currently offered our service, as well as the 160 family members.

“Money raised at the Santa run in Poringland will go towards the nook appeal, the aim of which is to raise £10 million for the construction of our new Norfolk hospice.”

For both events, tickets are £15 for anyone aged over 13, £8 for children, £40 for a family of four, or groups of six or more can enter for £14 per person. Anyone who books before 28 October will receive a discounted, early bird price. There are also exclusive discounts and benefits for corporates. Those aged over 13 will get a Santa suit whilst children will get a Santa or elf hat. Medals will be given to everyone and children will also receive a festive goody bag.

For more information on the Norwich run, being sponsored by insurance specialist A-Plan, and on the Poringland run, being sponsored by estate agent Winkworth, and to sign up go to www.each.org.uk.

For more on fundraising and volunteering for EACH in Norfolk, contact Emma on 01953 666770 or at emma.benstead@each.org.uk.