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.

Get involved with Big C this autumn!

Now that summer has come to an end, we want to thank all of our volunteers, fundraisers and supporters who have worked so hard. From running 10ks, hosting charity football matches and even helping us cut hundreds of beautiful sunflowers, thank you! 

Looking towards the rest of the year, our events are far from over as we have a number of wonderful activities that we hope you will join us at… 

On 29 – 30 October we will be holding Big C’s first Charity Art Fair at The Forum in Norwich, in partnership with Lamberts. We invite you to come and view the collection of artwork that has been generously donated to Big C by local artists.

You don’t need to be an art connoisseur to get involved, there is something for everyone. From sculptures and mixed media artwork to paintings, prints and even original illustrations from a published children’s book! 

A small collection of pieces will be available to purchase on the day, and there will be a variety of art, craft and jewellery stalls. The auction will then be live online from 21 October until 10 November. 

Find out more

Our festive season starts on 4 December when we are inviting everyone to join us at St Peter Mancroft Church in Norwich for Remember in December. This will be a wonderful evening to reflect and remember anyone who has been affected by cancer, or those no longer with us.

There will be a number of specially selected readings and Christmas carols. We will once again be joined by the incredible opera singer Benjamin Lake and students from Stagecoach Performing Arts Norwich.  

Find out more

On 8 December, Big C will be taking over Thetford Forest for our very popular Jingle Jangle Fun Run! This is the perfect event to get all your friends and family together for some festive outdoors fun!

You will have the choice of 2.5k or 5k and as this is a fun run there isn’t even any pressure to run; you can walk, hop, skip or jump your way to the finish line!

Sign up today

All our wonderful participants will be given jingle bell wrist bands to create that wonderful sound of Santa’s Sleigh making its way through the forest! Jingle Jangle is bound to get you in that fun, festive mood so grab your trainers, dig out those Santa hats and Christmas jumpers and sign up to join us! 

Christmas shopping can always be a bit stressful so make sure to stop by at Castle Quarter on the 14 December where our Big C Christmas Choirs event will help keep up that jolly spirit!

We will be joined by 4 local choirs who will be performing to all the shoppers from 10am to 2pm, singing all those Christmas favourites!

Discover more

We hope you’re able to come and support Big C over the coming months, or you can always hold your own event with friends and family. Just head to our Get Involved page to find out how to get started. 

How ever you choose to get involved, a big thank you from us all – we really appreciate your support! 

Ex-NCFC players return to the pitch for Charity Football Match in aid of Big C

Players including Grant Holt, Simeon Jackson, Cedric Anselin, Wes Hoolahan, Simon Lappin and Mike Milligan joined the squad on Saturday 18 May as the Big C XI took on Help Delete Cancer at Lowestoft Town FC.

The family-friendly football event sponsored by Nicholsons Solicitors and JDMA Paving & Landscaping, turned out to be a fantastic fundraiser for Big C as Norwich City legends took to the pitch and helped raise over £6,500.

Crowds gathered early at the gates of Lowestoft Town FC on Saturday morning, eager to get first glimpses of the Norwich City FC legends taking part in Big C’s Charity Football Match. Players and spectators took to the pitch before the match to enjoy a crossbar challenge, have their pictures taken and autographs signed. During half-time there was an exciting penalty shoot-out, face painting and more on-field fun for all ages.

The players walked out to roaring cheers and applause from fans who were excited to watch the Big C XI take on local charity Help Delete Cancer, whose players included NCFC women’s central midfielder Millie Daviss and King’s Lynn Town’s Holly Williams.

As part of the pre-match build up, both match mascots lined up in the tunnel and took to the field alongside the players. The Big C XI mascot was raffle winner Fletcher Ellis (11 years old) who said, “I’m a big Norwich City fan and try to attend matches when I can. I was so happy to have won the raffle to be the mascot and it was amazing to meet the NCFC legends on the day!”

Sponsors Nicholsons Solicitors also chose a match mascot, ten-year-old Sofia Honey Adcock. When Sofia was five, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), a form of blood cancer.

She received chemotherapy for two and a half years and during this time Sofia and her family became aware of Help Delete Cancer, a charity whose aim it is to create smiles, memories and awareness. Sofia says, “Help Delete Cancer are really special to me. They helped us when times were tough and gave us a day to remember.”

After Help Delete Cancer took an early 2 goal lead, the game was eventually won by the Big C XI with a final score of 5-3.

A member of the Help Delete Cancer team said, “It was an event full of smiles, wishes, many goals scored, great atmosphere and a day to never forget for all involved. It truly wouldn’t have been the day it was without those who turned up, donated and made it a great spectacle in the community for a worthy cause.”

Rob Tiffen of Nicholsons Solicitors handed the Player of The Match award to Help Delete Cancer’s Josh McCammon. Rob said, “Everyone is affected by cancer at some point in their lives, whether they have it themselves or a loved one is diagnosed. The team here at Nicholsons have lost friends and family to cancer ourselves, and so we are grateful for the opportunity to help support the important and humbling work that local cancer charity Big C does right here in our region.”

Tom Holmes, Events and Engagement Manager at Big C said, “We couldn’t be more delighted with the support we received from all the players, partners and sponsors for this event in order to make it an unforgettable day. The sun was shining, the goals were flowing and the amount we raised from the event is incredible. Huge thanks to everyone involved and all the supporters who attended on Saturday!”

The football match was the second Big C event this year for ex-NCFC player Grant Holt who earlier this year walked an astounding 100 miles in 37 hours alongside participants from recruitment agency ARC, starting on Easter Monday at 5am and finishing late afternoon on Tuesday 2 April. Holt is also part of organising the upcoming Euros 2024 Norwich Fan Park and is earmarking the first Sunday of the fan zone to the closing of his 100 mile walk fundraising.

To find out more about their fundraiser, or to add a donation, please visit the 100 Mile Walk fundraising page.

Get ready for an exciting summer full of fundraising events

This summer, Big C invites you to get together with your family and friends and take on one of our many fundraising events and help raise vital funds for those affected by cancer! Whether you’re an adrenaline junky ready take on a tandem sky dive or fancy teaming up with your friends or colleagues on the golf course, Big C has the perfect event for everyone this summer!

This May Big C are challenging you to complete 100k throughout the month in any way you choose! With friends and family, on your own or with your dog, you can take on 100k in whatever way you choose! Will you take a paddle board along the Broads, cycle with the family or walk the Norfolk Coast with a four-legged friend? We’re excited to hear how you will spend your May whilst supporting Big C!

Find out more about ‘100k in May’

If you’re a Norwich City Fan or just enjoy spending time playing football with your friends, join us on 18 May for our charity football match! With raffles, auctions, penalty shoot-outs and charity stalls it’s the perfect way to spend the day with your friends and family.

Maybe you’re more of a golf fan? Why not get a team together for one of our two charity golf days this year and help support Big C whilst enjoying a day out with your friends or colleagues!

In July we will be teeing off on the 18-hole championship course at the beautiful Stoke by Nayland Hotel & Spa. Later in October we will be at Bawburgh Golf Club for a day of golf, food and fun! So, get your team together and know each shot you take will be helping those locally who are affected by cancer.

Find out more about our Stoke by Nayland Golf Day

If you’re someone who really wants to get your adrenaline going, will you be brave enough to take on our tandem skydive? On 9 June we will be taking to the skies at Beccles Airfield where you can fly to around 13,000 feet before taking the jump and falling at 120 mph, descending 5000 feet in around 40 seconds!

For those who prefer to stay on the ground, why not see if you can take the heat and challenge yourself to Big C’s Firewalk on 15 September. You will start with a motivational briefing before braving the walk across the coals at the beautiful Castle Quarter Gardens.

Find out more about our Fire Walk event

For those who want to take in some of the beautiful Norfolk countryside you just have to choose if it will be by bike or on foot! We invite cyclists to sign up for the Norwich 100/60/30 on 2 June to ride 30, 60 or 100 miles around our beautiful county, starting at City Hall before taking in the edge of the beautiful Broads! 

If you want to slow things right down and complete a walking challenge, then a 9 or 18 mile walk along the beautiful Bure Valley path might be the event for you! Walk the 9 miles from Wroxham to Aylsham and enjoy a unique train ride back or take on the full 18-mile challenge and walk from Wroxham to Aylsham and back again! This is the perfect event to take on with others or come alone and make new friends along the way!

If running is your preferred speed then why not challenge yourself to the Autumn Blicking Half Marathon on 20 October, this is always a sell out event so grab your friends and a pair of trainers and join us on a run through the scenic North Norfolk countryside.

Find out more about the Autumn Blickling Half Marathon

So, what will it be; a day at the football taking on a penalty shoot-out, a tandem sky dive from 13,000 feet or a walk, run or bike ride? Just head to our events page to see all the fundraising event Big C has planned this year or feel free to contact our fundraising team at fundraising@big-c.co.uk.

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.”

Strictly glitter ball event raises over £5,800 for Big C

It was time for Big C to get the sequins out and the glitter ball ready on Saturday evening as a glamorous evening of ballroom and latin dancing was held at Hellesdon Community Centre on Saturday 2 March, raising funds for the local cancer charity.

Working with a talented team of dancers from Miller Dance Studios, Big C staff, volunteers and service users teamed up to learn a variety of routines, for a performance on the night.

The ‘Strictly Big C’ fundraiser was the brainchild of Lynn Miller from Miller Dance Studios. Lynn said “We wanted to use our love of dancing to support Big C. We’re so proud of all the couples that took part and are thrilled that the event raised lots of money and awareness for this important local charity.”

11 dances took place in total in front of a live audience and a panel of judges, before the top three couples were announced and the winner decided.

Jo Pendergast, who volunteers at Big C’s Timberhill shop, won the competition with her foxtrot routine and took home the first Strictly Big C trophy.

Jo said “It has been an absolute joy to be involved in Strictly Big C 2024. From learning the routines with my two dancers Paul and Becca and sharing the experience with the other participants on the night, it’s all just been amazing.

“I had a complete mix of nerves (this was way out of my comfort zone) and excitement on the evening. The event surpassed all my expectations – the room was full of happiness and brimming with love, I could not stop smiling the whole way through.

“Having my wonderful family and friends there to watch was very special and people have been so generous with their donations. 

“Big C has been such an important part of my life for the last few years, so winning was the absolute icing on the cake. I’m so pleased we’ve raised so much money to support such a wonderful charity!”

Big C was delighted to have a huge amount of support from local businesses and organisations. Goldsmith’s Weddings & Events decorated the venue beautifully and kindly supplied a photo booth for people to enjoy and take home a souvenir from the evening.

Volunteers from Norwich & District Photographic Society (NDPS) took photos and videos throughout the evening and Norwich City College students offered their time to come and help get the dancers ready for the event with hair and makeup.

Bee Lawrence a L3 make-up artistry student said “We would love to thank Big C for this opportunity. Everyone was so lovely, and the dancing was fantastic! We all truly enjoyed this experience, doing the hair and makeup for some of the dancers. It was wonderful to be a part of such a lovely team even for just a couple of hours.

“All the makeup team were delighted to be of service for such an important cause. Cancer is a heart-breaking disease, and to turn it into a dance event to raise money and celebrate the wonder that life is, was a beautiful thing to experience.”

Local businesses and supporters also gave a wide variety of auction and raffle prizes including the Strictly Theatre Company, Kettle Chips, IC Travel, The Strand Hair & Beauty Salon, Booja–Booja, The Wallow Wine Bar and Miller Dance.

Kat Jarvis, fundraising & events coordinator at Big C said “We are so proud of each and every one of our Big C participants who took to the dance floor. They all worked so hard with their partners, and we’re absolutely thrilled with the amount raised from ticket sales, an auction and raffle as well as donations of support to the JustGiving page.

A huge thank you to everyone that helped make this event such a huge success and we can’t wait to start planning for Strictly Big C 2025!”

If you would like to support the Strictly Big C couples and make a donation, please visit the Just Giving page.