27/09/2023 | Press releases

Jimmy Doherty and Welly Walkers raise charity funds

Jimmy Doherty joined forces with fundraising families to raise nearly £3,000 for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity by taking part in Sunday’s Welly Walk.

Held at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park, the event raised £2,850 towards the transformation of the children’s department at Ipswich Hospital.

Participants of all ages donned their wellington boots alongside friends and family and took advantage of the autumn sunshine to make a difference in the lives of young patients.

They included Mili Benneworth (pictured with her family), who has a personal connection with the children’s department.

A group of Welly Walkers stand in front of the Jimmy's sign

She said: “Ipswich Hospital is the place where Amélie was born. She spent three weeks in the neonatal unit, and it has been one of our most visited places in 2021 and 2022.

“The hospital and staff have been amazing with Amélie and us during our visits and stays, so we wanted to say thank you by raising as much money as possible to contribute towards the new children’s department.”

The Welly Walkers setting off.  Many of them wear turquoise t-shirts.

The Welly Walk was organised to raise funds towards the redevelopment of a new-look children’s department at the hospital, which will provide high quality facilities which match the outstanding care that young patients already receive. Jimmy Doherty is the appeal’s ambassador.

Cait Pilkington, events manager with Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, said: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who took part and Jimmy for their incredible support as we continue to fundraise the final £22,000 for The Children’s Appeal.

“We would like to thank all of the participants, sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible.”

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