Antonia Gray, Author at Big C Cancer Charity

Local Business Community Dances to Raise Funds for Norfolk Cancer Charity

The highly anticipated Strictly Big C fundraiser was a resounding success this month, raising over £9,800 for Big C Cancer Charity. The glamorous evening featured dazzling performances from members of the local business community, who joined forces with dancers from Miller Dance to learn a variety of routines and raise money for local people affected by cancer.

The event, held at Holiday Inn Norwich North, was hosted by Richard Miller from Miller Dance and judged by local personalities, TV Broadcaster Amelia Reynolds, Musical Director of Taverham Brass Band Ian Colman MBE, and Director of West End Experience Jo Overton.

Thrilling performances from Sheryl Jackson, Lauren Farley, Holly Guglielmuzzi, Grace Appleby, Kathryn Hirst, Adam Soall, Gordon Simpson, Nicky Burgis, and Jurgita Margelyte showcased their incredible spirit and newfound skills while raising funds.

Volunteers from Norwich & District Photographic Society (NDPS) captured photos throughout the evening, and City College Norwich students helped prepare the dancers with hair and makeup.

Guests also enjoyed performances from local singer and Managing Director of Mindset HR Gemma Crane, and a group dance featuring participants from the 2024 Strictly Big C event.

The winning couple, Sheryl Jackson from Big C’s fundraising group Ladies in League Against Cancer and her dance partner Jon Wendell from Miller Dance, were delighted with their victory, achieving three perfect scores for their tango. Sheryl said, “Participating in the Strictly Big C event was a truly uplifting experience. The support in the room was electric, and winning the glitter ball with my partner Jon was fabulous!”

Karen Vincent, Chief Executive of Big C, expressed her gratitude to the sponsors, Potters Resorts, Virgin Wines, and Kettle Chips. “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm shown by the local business community, our sponsors, and everyone who participated. Special thanks go to Lynn and Richard Miller from Miller Dance, who alongside their talented dancers have been a huge support in making this event possible.”

A Strictly Big C judge holding up a 9 paddle, talking to two people who have just danced.

The funds raised will support the charity’s work in offering support to anyone affected by cancer in Norfolk. Support Centres in Norwich and King’s Lynn are open for people to drop by for a chat, whether it’s the person diagnosed, a family member, or a friend. All services are free of charge, including person-centred counselling, complementary treatments, group support, welfare and benefits guidance, exercise and nutrition programmes, and bereavement support.

Lynn Miller, co-founder of Miller Dance alongside her husband Richard, said, “This is the second year for this event, and it’s lovely to see it growing each year with everyone working together to raise as much money as possible for this fabulous charity.”

Find out more about forthcoming fundraising events

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Lamberts raises over £7,000 to support local people affected by cancer

Lamberts a local Industrial Supplies & Workwear specialist in Norwich has achieved outstanding results with its fundraising efforts over the past year, to help support Big C Cancer Charity.

From crafting initiatives and the donation of a sunflower field to the organisation of an art sale, and everything in between, the team’s hard work and dedication to the cause has raised an incredible £7,225.88.

Tom Holmes, Events and Engagement Manager at Big C said, “We are deeply grateful to the team at Lamberts Norwich for their outstanding fundraising efforts and support throughout 2024. They have come up with ingenious ways to raise funds throughout the year, and every penny will make such a difference to the lives of local people.”

In March 2024, Managing Director of the family run company, Trina Beare crafted some wonderful bumblebee and ladybird wildflower seed bombs that were sold through Lamberts’ trade counter and office in Norwich as well as at other companies around the city.

Adding to their creations, Trina and the Lamberts Workwear Team created a group of bespoke wooden Easter bunnies that were auctioned off to add to their fundraising efforts. These wonderful spring decorations were given fantastic names including ‘Captain Carrot’, ‘Mary Hoppins’, and ‘Nacho’!

Wooden bunnies made from small pieces of wood, decorated with floral material for neckerchiefs and bonnets.

In April, Sonny, son of Lamberts’ Commercial Manager Paul Gardiner took on the Brighton Marathon to raise further funds for Big C with some of Lamberts’ suppliers sponsoring Sonny’s running kit.

In the summer, after months of growing, Lamberts were able to donate a field packed with thousands of sunflowers to Big C. Over the course of a week in August, staff, volunteers, friends and families all came together to cut the sunflowers and pack them to be sold to local businesses all over the region with all proceeds going to Big C. Not only was this a fantastic fundraising event but wonderful feedback was received on the positive impact being in the outdoors with the flowers had on volunteers’ mental health and wellbeing.

A bunch of sunflowers wrapped in brown paper

Towards the end of 2024, Lamberts partnered up with Big C to host a charity art sale and exhibition over two days at The Forum, Norwich. Many local artists including the published illustrator Sarah Reilly donated paintings, prints and sculptures as well as pieces created by Lamberts’ staff members, their friends and family!

A man putting a piece of art on the wall at an exhibition

Trina Beare said: “Our Lamberts team had a great time fundraising for Big C last year! It was incredible to see everyone come together with such passion and dedication for such a worthy local cause. The creativity, and teamwork were truly inspiring, and we’re so proud to have contributed to Big C’s mission.

“We are thrilled to announce that Big C has been chosen as our Charity of the Year 2025 – for a second year in a row! We can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and get cracking on some fantastic ideas we already have in motion… watch this space!”

The generosity, enthusiasm and commitment from all those working at Lamberts and the local community will enable Big C to continue to provide crucial services and support. From 1:1 counselling and complementary therapies, to support groups, welfare guidance, and health and nutrition programmes.