“An extra pair of hands makes an enormous difference” – event volunteers play a vital role at EACH fundraisers

A leading children’s charity is calling for extra volunteers to help at its fundraising events. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is planning a packed and varied programme, with highlights including water-filled Splash Outs! in Bury St Edmunds and Huntingdon. The popular Pier to Pier walk returns in June, there will be a Bubble Rush in July and both adults and children can challenge themselves at the Whole Hog and Piglet Junior Hog obstacle course events in October and July respectively. The events are a vital income stream for EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. However, they are reliant on members of the public helping out and Monday marks the start of a week-long campaign, encouraging more people to lend their support and sign up as a volunteer. EACH Events Manager Becky Redbond said: “We’re getting more and more excited about our busy schedule of events. “There are some real highlights and big dates to look forward to, made all the more special by the fact we’ve had two very difficult and challenging years because of the pandemic. “As well as being great fun, these events raise much-needed funds for our charity. “However, their success is entirely dependent on support from the public and we always need extra help. “It’s absolutely vital and I’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch, sign up and join in the fun. “Our volunteers always tell us how much they enjoy being involved. “They find it a fun, uplifting and positive experience and feel rewarded that they’ve played their part in making an event successful.” EACH’s next big fundraiser is the Ride for Life cycle challenge, from 6^th to 8^th May. The Bury St Edmunds Splash Out! follows on 15^th May and the Pier to Pier walk takes participants on a 32-mile trek from Cromer to Great Yarmouth, on 25^th June. The following month sees the Piglet Junior Hog event, near Woodbridge, on 3^rd July and the Norwich Bubble Rush on 16^th July. There is another Splash Out! on 17^th September, this time in Huntingdon, before the Whole Hog adult obstacle event on 9^th October. For more information about any of the above, head to www.each.org.uk/events “I’d encourage anyone to either sign up and take part or get in touch about volunteering,” added Becky. “In terms of the latter, an extra pair of hands makes an enormous difference and we’d love to hear from anyone interested in joining us.” To find out more and register your interest, head to www.each.org.uk/eventsvolunteer