Gina Long highlights more Norfolk fundraisers in her latest column.

Eastern Daily Press: Bethany and her freinds enjoying her birthday party at Namco Norwich.Bethany and her freinds enjoying her birthday party at Namco Norwich. (Image: Archant)

As the 'Beast from the East' caused havoc for the whole county at the very beginning of March, I was so inspired to see so many people refuse to give up and brave the bitter wintry conditions to help others.

From the heroes who registered their 4x4s and to all who helped to pull others out of snow drifts, to those in shops delivering goods to the elderly who could not leave their homes, the community spirit certainly shone through.

UEA Rugby Match

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk amputees will tackle Snowdon for the Steel Bones charity.Norfolk amputees will tackle Snowdon for the Steel Bones charity. (Image: Archant)

A group of students from UEA in Norwich took part in a rugby tournament in memory of David Potter, a previous President of the UEA Men's Rugby Club, who died in May 2015 after battling a brain tumour. The mixed team competition raised funds for The Brain Tumour Charity and sports charity Moth in a China Shop.

David's daughter Emma organised the fancy dress rugby tournament, which raised more than £430 for the two charities. It's always heart-warming to see charity events raising money in memory of a loved one, to celebrate someone's life. What a lovely legacy.

To Emma and all the students involved, I applaud you for creating such a special event that was enjoyed by so many.

Eastern Daily Press: The Bubble Rush 5k will take place on Saturday June 16 in King's Lynn.The Bubble Rush 5k will take place on Saturday June 16 in King's Lynn. (Image: Archant)

Bethany's Birthday Bash

Bethany Smith from Norwich has recently celebrated her eighth birthday, you may recognise her from my previous charity column and other recent stories. Bethany suffers from mitochondrial myopathy, a life-limiting neuromuscular condition that leaves her bound to a wheelchair.

To celebrate Bethany's birthday, Namco Norwich kindly hosted by donating games of bowling, a party table and decorations for Bethany and 10 of her friends. Bethany's dad Steve said: 'Bethany and her friends had an amazing time.'

Bethany had the very best birthday gift of all on her Just Giving page, which was shared by Jason Manford, in a matter of hours his followers had donated more than £3,600 towards the much-needed electric powered wheelchair Bethany's family are so desperately fundraising for.

Huge thanks to Namco Norwich and Jason, you're charity stars………

Please visit Bethany's Go Fund Me page at www.gofundme.com/BethanysWish and consider donating towards such a fantastic cause for an inspirational young lady.

Kate runs her first marathon for step-daughter Sonia

This year's marathon participants are beginning to up their distances as April 22 looms ever nearer. I have been contacted by Dr Kate Lawton from Diss, who is tackling the gruelling 26.2 miles to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Kate's step-daughter Sonia lost her life-long battle to cystic fibrosis in 2013 aged just 23. She only found out she was running a matter of weeks ago, as she received a reserve place following a runner dropping out.

Kate says: 'I am both scared and excited. My step-daughter Sonia was the most beautiful young woman. She was just amazing and didn't let her illness stand in her way.'

I wish you the very best of luck Kate, it will all be so worth it when you take to the streets of London alongside 40,000 others, raising money for a loved one.

Please do consider helping Kate reach her £3,000 goal by visiting https://cysticfibrosistrustlondonmarathon.everydayhero.com/uk/kate-s-marathon-madness.

Steel Bones attempt Snowdon

There are challenges and then are challenges, an inspirational team of amputees are set to climb Mount Snowdon in May to support and raise money for Steel Bones charity.

The team hope to raise significant funds to enable Steel Bones to continue the fantastic support given to families and individuals that have suffered limb loss in the UK. The work this lovely charity does is simply outstanding.

Leader of the challenge Paul Clark, who became an amputee last year, said: 'Climbing Snowdon was a personal goal of mine before my amputation and I feel it is a great way to achieve my own personal ambition, whilst also raising funds for the charity that has helped me so much over the past few years.'

Please do consider supporting the remarkable team of 18 amputees tackling Snowdon, by visiting their Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/snowdon-challenge2018

Foam-tastic Fun Run

I have come across what appears to be a very exciting event to be held in King's Lynn this summer, Each has announced the Bubble Rush 5k to take place on Saturday June 16 at The Walks.

The event involves runners passing through various 'bubble stations' around the course, without a 'race' element it will make a great day out for the family whether you would like to run, walk or toddle through the foam.

Emma Benstead, Each Norfolk Events Fundraiser said: 'All funds raised from this event will go towards our children's hospice in Quidenham, providing care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions and support for their families across Norfolk.'

For more information please visit www.each.org.uk/bubblerush

Please do share your charity stories with me, email all details and a photo to: gina@geewizzcharity.com Follow me on Twitter @geewizzgee1