Gina Long looks at more of your charity fundraising efforts in her monthly column.
Wishing you all the happiest 2018. Although Christmas was only 26 days ago, its seems ages ago doesn't it? So much good happens at Christmas time, the majority of people seem to have that extra spring in their step, with this comes, the incredible acts of 'holiday kindness', so many thoughtful gestures of 'doing good for others' and wanting to go that extra mile over the festive time. I am in awe of the endless projects that have taken place in Norfolk, where so many remarkable individuals, have literally helped change many lives and helped to make the biggest difference. Surely that's one of the best gifts of all.
Talking about 'festive kindness', some may say 'festive madness' - a big well done to the very brave, remarkable people of Norfolk who took part in the annual Boxing Day Dip, in aid of Let's Do It Anyway Charitable Trust. Ninety five 'dippers' braved the North Sea at Sea Palling, raising £1,004.05. To qualify as a 'dip', participants had to fully submerge themselves in the icy water, before dashing back to dry land.
Let's Do It Anyway aims to promote social welfare and equality inclusion for children, and adults of all ages, whilst providing specialist mobility equipment to encourage them to be active, and feel socially included in Norfolk.
To find out more about Let's Do It Anyway, or to see more of their events to get involved with, please visit www.letsdoitanyway.com
I would like to put a spotlight on 14-year-old Cameron Jeffery from Aylsham, who took part in a sponsored cycle ride in memory of his great-aunt Joy, who sadly passed away aged 83 on Christmas Day 2016.
Following on from a summer charity event that Cameron took part in at Aylsham High School, he announced that he would like to undertake the 25-mile cycle ride along Marriott's Way, to raise funds for Lupus UK, which his great-aunt suffered from.
On a beautiful autumn morning of Sunday November 19, Cameron, along with his grandfather, cycled 26.7 miles, raising £393.25.
Cameron had to cycle through sticky mud, thick leaves and deep puddles – needless to say, he and Grandpa were very pleased to dismount as soon as they arrived home.
Cameron, you really are a Charity Superstar, good for you.
I am so pleased to see award-winning Norfolk restaurant Brasted's again joining forces with the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind to host an evening of sensory dining to help raise awareness of the struggles of those who have sadly lost their sight.
Taking place on Friday March 16, you are invited to experience taste, sound and smell as never before – blindfolds are of course optional.
Tickets for this lovely - and what I know will be a delicious - fundraiser are £40 per person. This includes a the sensory three-course dinner, with all profits going to the NNAB. Please do consider supporting this fantastic event for such a great cause.
For tickets please visit www.brasteds.co.uk or call 01508 491112
Next month sees the return of Norfolk Will Help, a collaborative will writing project between five Norfolk Charities; Big C, Keeping Abreast, Age UK Norwich, NNAB, and Nelson's Journey, raising funds to benefit the fantastic work they all do.
Many locally-based solicitors have so generously donated appointments to Norfolk Will Help, helping to raise valuable funds for the charities, so please do take this opportunity to consider planning for the future whilst helping five charities.
Norfolk Will Help was established by Nelson's Journey in 2016, and to date has raised over £7,300 with a number of legacies being promised to the benefitting charities.
Visit www.norfolkwillhelp.co.uk to book your appointment with a participating solicitor. In return for having a will written, clients will be asked to make a suggested £75 donation for a single will, or a £120 donation for 'mirror wills'. All donations are split equally between the five charities.
Please do share your charity stories with me, email all details and a photo to: gina@geewizzcharity.com Follow me on Twitter @geewizzgee1
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