Suffolk charity launches new community fundraising event 

Home-Start Suffolk has launched their first ever large community involvement fundraising event. 

The Home-Start Hike is a new fundraising event for the charity, in partnership with Abbeycroft Leisure and Explore Outdoor, which aims to raise funds to support their mission of empowering parents with the skills, knowledge and emotional resilience to raise their children to flourish. 

Tara Spence, chief executive officer at Home-Start Suffolk, said: “We are thrilled to be launching our first ever large-scale public event for the charity.

“The Home-Start Hike will enable people across the county to come together and challenge themselves, while connecting with nature. Every penny raised goes directly towards helping us meet the increasing demand for family support across Suffolk. 

“Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or you have been motivated to take on a new challenge this year, every stride counts towards changing the lives of families in Suffolk.”

There are four different distances available to hike that will enable participants to enjoy the incredible Suffolk countryside and take in the stunning landscapes that inspired Thomas Gainsborough, all while raising money and awareness for Suffolk’s largest family support charity.

On Sunday 28th September, the hike will start at Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Sudbury. The three, six and 13-mile hikes will also finish at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, while those braving the 26-mile hike will find the finish line at Bury St Edmunds Cathedral.

Frank Carn-Pryor, outdoor education manager at Abbeycroft Leisure, said: “Abbeycroft Leisure and their outdoor education provision, Explore Outdoor, are excited to be supporting Home-Start Suffolk and their Home-Start Hike in September.

“It is great to be part of a new and exciting event getting people active and outdoors and at the same time, helping to raise money for a great cause.”

Registration to take part in the event starts from £10 and the minimum fundraising target is only £50 per hiker. Local businesses are also encouraged to enter teams of up to six participants for a £100 registration fee, with a collective fundraising goal of £500.

T-shirts are available to purchase and collect on the day of the event.

If you would like to step up and help raise vital funds for Suffolk families this September, you can find out more and sign up for the Home-Start Hike on our event page.