Reuse partnership raises thousands for Big C

Norfolk’s Reuse shops, based at a variety of Norfolk County Council recycling centres have been supporting Big C over the last three years, giving a share of the proceeds from the shop sales. We’re delighted to announce that during this period, the partnership has raised £87,000, including £33,938 in the last year alone!

The shops sell on items that have been donated by members of the public including everything from furniture and electrical items to bikes and toys.

Supporting Reuse Shops, by either donating or buying items is a great way to save money, cut waste, help others and protect the planet.

Karen Vincent, Chief Executive at Big C said “We have had a fantastic partnership with Norfolk County Council’s Reuse Shops over the past three years.

“The substantial funds raised are making a real difference to the people we support.  Our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this partnership such a success and raising vital funds to improve the lives of those in Norfolk affected by cancer.”  

Each year, staff across Norfolk’s Reuse Shops nominate and vote for a local charity to benefit from the partnership. Norfolk based charity Nelson’s Journey, which supports children and young people in Norfolk who’ve experienced the death of a significant person, has been chosen as the new charity partner of Norfolk County Council’s Reuse Shops.

Councillor James Bensly, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste at Norfolk County Council said “I’m proud that we are continuing the charity partnership scheme at our incredibly popular Reuse Shops. Nelson’s Journey is a wonderful local organisation doing important work helping children and young people who have lost someone they are close to.

“Our outgoing charity Big C have been great to work with and it’s wonderful that we were able to donate so much money to help them continue their good work. When visiting our Reuse Shops, not only can you pick up a bargain, but you’ll also get the chance support a great local charity.”

To date, the reuse shops have raised over £120,000 for local charities as part of the charity partnership scheme. Other charities that have benefited include the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

150 miles – One epic journey

On Wednesday 16 April, a brilliant team of walkers embarked on an extraordinary 150 mile walk across Norfolk to raise funds for Big C and the Community Sports Foundation. Over three amazing days, they went above and beyond to complete their epic challenge!

The 150-Mile Challenge, powered by ARC Group was conceived by Canaries legend Grant Holt; Richard Pearce of Barclays Wealth, and Adam Miller from ARC Group. The route, starting in King’s Lynn and finishing at Carrow Road ahead of Norwich City Football Club’s match against Portsmouth FC, was completed in an incredible 60 hours.

There are so many people to thank, but first and foremost the biggest thank you goes to the incredible walkers: Richard Pearce, Adam Miller, Darren Miller, Grant Holt, Tracy Williamson, Alex Tuya, Sean Garrihy, Mick Spinks and Adam Smith.

Here’s how their adventure unfolded…

Day one: King’s Lynn – Wells-next-the-sea

With thanks to our sponsors: Uptech Ltd, Premier Voice Data, and Harvey Charles Carpets and Flooring Ltd

The team set off in the early hours, keen to tick off as many miles as possible. They took a well-earned break at Castle Acre, that included breakfast by Rapid Relief Team UK at a rest station hosted by Duration Brewing. Continuing on to Hunstanton where much needed sports massages were provided by Up And Running Treatments. They then powered through the final leg of the day where the teams had a three hour rest, kindly hosted by Pinewoods.

Day two: Wells-next-the-sea – Hopton

With thanks to our sponsors: Grocott & Murfitt and Page Bros Group

Our amazing walkers were back out walking by 4am the next day! They made good headway, reaching the half way point by mid morning, enjoying a well-earned rest at No 1 Cromer. The group continued to add up the miles, and funds continued to rise. After a tough day they finally reached their much-needed resting spot. Thanks to Potters Resorts for hosting our weary walkers.

Day three: Hopton – Norwich City Football Club

With thanks to our sponsors: Cladspray Solutions

After a few hours rest, the team were back out on the road again. Despite fatigue and sore muscles, the team persevered, reaching an incredible fundraising milestone of £20,000. With a break at The Loddon Swan it gave them the energy needed as they headed towards the finish line.

Our amazing team were greeted with motivating cheers as they met friends and family, who walked the final distance with them. Crossing the bridge towards the Queen of Iceni pub at Riverside was an emotional and powerful moment. The walkers made their way to the Norwich City ground, and onto the pitch at Carrow Road before the Norwich City FC match against Portsmouth Football Club, marking a triumphant end to their truly epic fundraising challenge!

Reflecting on this mammoth walk, Adam Miller of ARC Group said:

“What a challenge! I am so proud of us all for having completed the 150-mile walk. The aching muscles, blisters and sore feet coupled with a lack of sleep over three nights was more than tough, but to know every mile we covered was raising funds for two important charities, made it all worth it. A huge thank you to everyone that helped us along the way, whether it was cheering us on, donating, or walking with us, it made all the difference.”

“Every donation given and every step taken has made a real difference, helping raise vital funds for two important local charities, and we are truly grateful.”

Karen Vincent, Chief Executive, Big C

If you would like to make a donation to support the efforts of this incredible team, there is still time. All funds raised will be split equally between Big C and Community Sports Foundation.

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’!

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.

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!

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.