Launch of the 150-Mile Challenge to raise vital funds

Big C and Norwich City Community Sports Foundation are excited to announce an extraordinary new joint fundraising event for 2025 – The 150-Mile Challenge, powered by Arc Group.

Conceived by Richard Pearce of Barclays Wealth, Canaries legend Grant Holt, and Adam Miller from Arc Group, the 150-Mile Challenge is set to inspire the community while raising vital funds for two prominent local charities.

Starting on 16 April 2025 in King’s Lynn, Richard, Grant and Adam will lead a group of walkers on an epic 150-mile journey around the north of the county. Walking day and night, the challenge will conclude in dramatic style as the group walks onto the pitch at Carrow Road on Good Friday, 18 April when Norwich City take on Portsmouth F.C.

A challenge that gives back and inspires a community

The 150-Mile Challenge is more than just a fundraising effort; it’s a call to action for the local community to come together in support of vital local services. Funds raised will directly, and equally, benefit Big C as well as Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, who use the power of sport to support and inspire our community. The Foundation deliver a variety of programmes across the county with the objective of driving inclusion for people with disabilities, boosting mental health and wellbeing, and supporting disadvantaged people to raise their aspirations.

To make this event as inclusive as possible, the challenge will also include two additional legs:

1. The Virtual Edition (February – March 2025)

Open to everyone, the Community Sports Foundation and Big C are encouraging people inspired by this epic challenge to sign up and complete their own 150 miles throughout February and March 2025. Whether you prefer walking, running, cycling or even swimming the focus is to achieve the 150 miles in your own way. Participants will be supported by both charities with virtual check-ins and the option of local meetups.

With the added incentive of a medal for all those who achieve the suggested fundraising target of £150 you can sign up now via the Community Sports Foundation or Big C websites.

2. The Corporate Edition (May 2025)

Local businesses will have the chance to take part in their own 150-Mile Challenge, designed to foster teamwork while contributing to these incredible causes. Details on this edition will be released in the New Year.

Join the journey

“This challenge is about more than just the miles” says Richard Pearce. “It’s about creating a lasting impact for our community, and we hope to see people of all ages and abilities join us in raising funds for these incredible charities. I would like to express my thanks to Uptech, Grocott & Murfit and Cladpsray Solutions for their generous sponsorship of key sections in our 150-Mile Challenge. Your support is a vital component to the success of this challenge.”

In a joint statement, Tom Holmes, Events and Engagement Manager at Big C and Emma Fletcher-Dungay, Head of Fundraising at the Community Sports Foundation commented on the challenge:

“We are thrilled to collaborate on the 150-Mile Challenge, an inspiring initiative that unites our community to make a real difference. This partnership between the Community Sports Foundation and Big C highlights the power of teamwork, raising vital funds to transform lives through sport and provide essential care and support for those affected by cancer. By inviting everyone to take part with the virtual challenge we’re fostering unity and inclusivity while creating a lasting impact. Together, we can achieve something extraordinary in Norfolk.”

How you can get involved

Sign up today to join the virtual challenge in February and March or register your interest for the corporate edition in May.

Sponsor the event: Local businesses interested in sponsoring sections of the 150-mile, 3-day event or the broader campaign can reach out to csf.fundraising@norwichcitycsf.org.uk.

Big C to Hold Jingle Jangle Fun Run at Thetford Forest

Following its success last Christmas, Big C is holding its second Christmas fun run on Sunday 8 December at High Lodge, Thetford, raising funds to support local people affected by cancer.

‘Jingle Jangle’ is a fun run with a difference. All participants will be given a wristband with bells on, to recreate the magical sound of Santa’s sleigh as they run or walk through the forest.

On the day, families can choose between a 2.5k and a 5k route and participants and spectators alike are being encouraged to dress up in their best festive outfits, santa hats and really enter into the Christmas spirit.

Tom Holmes, events and engagement manager said “We’re very excited to be heading back to beautiful Thetford Forest for our second Jingle Jangle Fun Run. It’s the perfect way to kick start your festive season, get family and friends together, and raise funds at the same time!

“As a local charity, any funds raised will go to supporting people right here in Norfolk and surrounding counties, so come and join in the fun. Whether you want to walk or run the route, or just soak up the atmosphere, we would love to see you!”

On completion of the challenge, those attending the event can enjoy a ‘Christmas Spruce’ market organised by Forestry England. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas, with mulled wine, festive food and a variety of stalls including Christmas wreaths, skincare, baubles and more.

View Christmas Market info

Matt Billington, from the events team at High Lodge said: “We’re excited to be getting in the festive spirit again this year with Big C on Sunday 8 December. There are lots of seasonal activities to look forward to including the festive fun run, Christmas stalls, and the return of our popular elf trail. Christmas is a time for giving, which is why we are so pleased to partner up with Big C to support their fundraising efforts for all the great work they do.

“Whether you’re taking part in the run or not there is so much to do onsite with plenty of opportunities to get out into the woods this winter. Our onsite attractions, including Go Ape, Adventure Golf, and Lookout Archery will all be decking the halls, and there will be a great selection of Christmas stalls to pick up some beautiful gifts. You won’t want to miss it!”

There is an entry fee of £15 for adults and £1 for children aged 16 and under. The entrance fee helps cover the cost to put on this event but by getting sponsorship to take on the challenge you are helping to support those affected by cancer locally.

100 Mile Easter Walk for Canaries Legend Grant Holt and Local Recruitment Agency ARC in Aid of Big C

Canaries legend Grant Holt has teamed up with local recruitment firm ARC to walk an incredible 100 miles in aid of Big C Cancer Charity, starting on Easter Monday.

Setting off from No1 Cromer fish and chip shop, at 5am on Monday 1 April, the group of three will be joined by local businessmen Richard Pearce and Sean Garrihy as they make their way on foot from Cromer to Norwich, via King’s Lynn, in a large C-shape. Stopping enroute at Morston Hall Hotel, Wells, Thornham, Hunstanton and King’s Lynn Town FC, the team will walk all day and all night to raise funds for the local cancer charity, arriving at Big C’s support centre in the grounds of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on Tuesday 2 April.

Adam Miller, director at ARC said “Darren and I felt compelled to want to support Big C by raising as much money and awareness as possible. What the colleagues of this amazing organisation did for my family and I can never be repaid, we spent 3 weeks watching our Dad die. Big C understood this and made the most horrendous experience almost bearable, if that’s even possible. Thank you and we will always do our best to support!”

The five walkers are inviting anyone to join them for part of their walk, specifically between Cromer and Blakeney, from approximately 5-9am on Monday 1 April. Anyone is welcome to walk with them for all or part of this section, along Norfolk’s beautiful coastline. The team will be sharing progress updates and locations on ARC’s Instagram account throughout the challenge.

Speaking to Big C about his involvement in the challenge, Grant Holt said “Walking a long distance is not just a stroll; it’s a huge challenge that tests both mind and body. If you’ve ever covered 20 miles in one go, you’ll understand the true magnitude of this challenge. For those who haven’t, don’t underestimate it!”

The Big C Walk is one of many events ARC is organising this year in aid of Big C, their charity of the year. Earlier this month they hosted a successful Big Cuppa fundraising event, baking and selling cakes in their Norwich and Ipswich offices. Following this walk, the local recruitment agency will be organising a charity golf day at Dunston Hall on Tuesday 4 June.

Tom Holmes, Events & Engagement Manager at Big C said, “We can’t wait to cheer the walkers on during their challenge. It’s an incredible fundraising event showing ARC’s determination and drive towards supporting Big C. We couldn’t be more delighted to have been chosen as their charity of the year.”

LILAC Raises Half a Million Pounds in Aid of Big C

Local fundraising group, LILAC (Ladies In League Against Cancer) has raised over £500,000 since it started supporting Big C Cancer Charity in 2005.

Ladies in League Against Cancer is a group of ladies raising funds for Big C Cancer Charity to support people affected by cancer and help their families and friends come to terms with the illness of a loved one.

The group was started by Theresa Cossey MBE and Gaye Youngman in 2005 as a voluntary fundraising group focused on fun and friendship, and raises funds to support the work of Big C.

In recent years LILAC has supported each of Big C’s Cancer Support Centres across the county, where they have funded a LILAC room, the most recent of which was the complementary therapy room at the new Norwich City Cancer Support Centre in Dereham Road, Norwich. Their fundraising efforts have also included funding a camera for UEA School of Biological Sciences, an annual student bursary at Norwich Research Park, projection equipment for the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) Oncology Department and supporting the hospital’s Boudicca Appeal.

Gaye Youngman, chair of LILAC said “When Theresa Cossey MBE and I created LILAC in 2005 we had no idea how it would grow over the years to enable us to raise such significant funding.  Our thanks go to the tremendous support we receive from our committee and our members, which enables us to continue each year with our programme of events and our support of the work of Big C, improving the lives of local people and their families affected by cancer.”

LILAC has announced that in 2024 it will support a 4-year PhD project in collaboration with Big C and the UEA Science Faculty, support the Big C ‘Nourish & Nurture’ nutrition and wellness programme as well as the creation of a Big C Family support programme in collaboration with the Jenny Lind Department at NNUH.

Norwich City squad come together to raise much needed funds

Talk Norwich City (TNC) has teamed up with Big C Cancer Charity to help raise money, with the launch of an online raffle and auction, which begins on 4 February to mark World Cancer Day.

Jack Reeve and Chris Reeve, founders of the Norwich City fan channel TNC have been working closely with a variety of first-team players to launch ‘The Ultimate Norwich City Raffle’. Memorabilia such as boots, shirts and gloves have been donated by players including Jonathan Rowe, Josh Sargent, Gabriel Sara and Angus Gunn, to help this worthy cause.

The raffle and auction will commence at 12.01am on 4 February, running through until 29 February at 8pm.

Chris Reeve, co-founder at Talk Norwich City said “We’re absolutely delighted to be going live on World Cancer Day with our most anticipated fundraiser for Big C yet – The Ultimate Norwich City Raffle!

This one time only opportunity gives the Yellow Army everywhere the chance to potentially get their hands on some incredible Norwich City memorabilia in the form of not just one, but three different bundles.

We are thrilled to have four extra special items available as auction items including a pair of signed, worn, Johnny Rowe boots and a match-prepared Kenny McLean Scotland shirt from their European qualifier Vs Norway.”

The idea was formed following the huge success of a Big C Charity raffle for a Sara signed shirt which raised almost £3,000.

Chris said “We thought to ourselves, what if Sara’s teammates all came together to do one big raffle?! How much more could we raise?”

The support offered by each of these players has been outstanding, which, it is hoped will raise vital funds for local charity Big C, which supports people affected by cancer in Norfolk and surrounding counties. Special thanks go to Adam Idah, Angus Gunn and Onel Hernandez who were the ‘delivery drivers’ for so many of these items.

Details of the raffle and auction can be found by visiting Big C’s Charity Hive page below.