Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity celebrated nearing the end of the Children’s Appeal at Ipswich Hospital by holding its final Welly Walk at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park on Saturday (13 July).
The festivities saw participants of all ages don their wellington boots alongside friends and family to complete a 5km interactive route around the farm, raising £5,039 for the appeal and other great causes in the process.
Around 150 people took part and were led by Puddles the Children’s Appeal mascot alongside nine-year old Mollie Smith and her friend Alice (10), from Ipswich (pictured below).
Keen fundraiser Mollie joined the walk with Alice, who was diagnosed with a low-grade brain tumour and who has been cared for by Ipswich Hospital. Mollie was inspired to give back to the hospital after Alice received operations and chemotherapy to treat her condition.
Mollie’s mum Kirsty said: “Mollie has wanted to take part in the Welly Walk for some time; she is a very kind, caring and supportive friend to Alice. Mollie’s brother Harry also had a friend with lymphoma who has thankfully recovered, but they have both sadly witnessed their friends undergo major treatment.
“Our friends and family are really supportive of our fundraising for Alice and the Children’s Department.”
The fourth and final Welly Walk raised funds for the finishing touches to the new-look Children’s Department at Ipswich Hospital, which will help to make sure the facilities match the outstanding care their young patients already receive. The department will open in late summer.
Staff from the Children’s Department and Estates team take part in the Welly Walk alongside family and friends
Dan Bailey, the charity’s senior fundraising manager said: “We are extremely grateful to all of the participants and to everyone at Jimmy’s Farm for their incredible support of the Children’s Appeal over the last four years. The transformation of the department will make an incredible difference to the experience of our young patients and their families.
“We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part in the walk, as well as our sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible.”
You can donate to the Welly Walkers and Mollie’s fundraiser by visiting their Just Giving page.
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