Rachael’s Skydive for Ash

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Rachael’s Skydive for Ash

 

This weekend, one of our fundraisers is completing a skydive to raise money for Nelson’s Journey; hear more from Rachael about why she’s taking on this challenge:

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On October 28th, it would have been my husband Ash’s 50th birthday. For a long time, we weren’t quite sure how to mark such a special milestone.

We lost Ash on the 4th of April 2016. He was a dedicated family man. He loved all of his family unconditionally and revelled in life with our two young sons. Sam was 9, and Noah was just 3.

Both boys spent many hours at Nelson’s Journey. The counsellors were such a massive support. No one knows how to cope at this time, and they helped so much. Years later, the boys needed help again, and Nelson’s Journey was there again for us.

I know if he were here, Ash would have wanted to celebrate with the people he loved – probably with a big family and friends party, plenty of laughter, dancing, knee slides and a few drinks!

But after a lot of thought, we decided a ‘celebration’ wasn’t quite right; we decided to do something a little different to mark the occasion and make it a memorable one… so I’m going to throw myself out of a plane! The boys will be watching!

Yes, I’m doing a parachute jump – something that is VERY far outside my comfort zone, but something that feels like a fitting way to mark Ash’s 50th and do something meaningful at the same time.

I’ll be raising money for Nelson’s Journey, who were there for our boys when they needed support following the loss of their dad. The help they gave them meant so much to us, and it feels really special to be able to give something back.

So, in memory of my Ash, their Dad, for his 50th birthday, and for a charity that holds a very special place in our hearts – I’m taking a deep breath, jumping out of a plane and hoping I remember to pull the parachute! 😂

And Happy Birthday, Ash! Your 50th- I wish you were here to celebrate it with us all (then I wouldn’t be jumping out of a plane !)
Always loved so much and always remembered ♥️.

You can donate to Rachael’s JustGiving here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/charityskydiveforash

 

Thank you to the Norwich Freemen’s Charity!

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Thank you to the Norwich Freemen’s Charity!

 

We are delighted to announce that we have received a generous £10,000 grant from Norwich Freemen’s Charity!

This funding is a contribution towards the core running costs of our Child Bereavement Support services, allowing us to continue supporting children and young people across Norfolk through their grief.

 

Maisie, Funding and Marketing Officer, said ‘We were so pleased to receive this amazing grant from the Norwich Freemen’s Charity, it will go such a long way in supporting our work with Norfolk’s bereaved children and young people. Support from brilliant local funders such as this really is crucial in enabling us to continue to support children through their grief journeys, thank you!’

 

Everyone from Nelson’s Journey would like to say a HUGE thank you to the Norwich Freemen’s Charity for their generosity and support!

 

 

Harry’s Edinburgh to Norwich bike ride

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Harry’s Edinburgh to Norwich bike ride

 

Last month, Harry completed a huge Castle-to-Castle cycling challenge. Beginning at Edinburgh Castle, he rode over 500 miles across 3 days to finish at Norwich Castle, all to raise funds for Nelson’s Journey!

 

On top of the huge distance, the route included around 19,000 feet of climbing — that’s well over half the height of Mount Everest — all squeezed into three long, hilly days.

 

Speaking about why he decided to take on this challenge, Harry said: “I’ve always wanted to take on a truly challenging fundraiser, and a 500-mile bike ride felt like the perfect opportunity. I couldn’t think of a better charity to support than Nelson’s Journey. The incredible work they do to support local children and young people through some of the most difficult times in their lives is truly inspiring.”

“They take the time to connect with their supporters, and their appreciation for every fundraiser is clear to see. I’m proud to be taking on this challenge to help them continue the fantastic work they do in our community.”

 

It was an honour to watch Harry cross the finish line at Norwich Castle after an intense 3 days, and we’re so grateful for everything he’s done!

 

Overall, Harry raised over £2,300 for Nelson’s Journey, which is a truly amazing amount and will help us to continue to support bereaved children and young people in Norfolk. Thank you Harry!

Thank you to Clan Trust!

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Thank you to Clan Trust!

 

A huge thank you to the Clan Trust for granting us £4,250, to fund a year’s supply of our Smiles and Tears gift boxes!

 

Our gift boxes were created by our Young Volunteers and are sent out to children and young people to provide information, therapeutic activities & treats to support & give comfort during difficult times in the early weeks of a bereavement.

 

The Smiles and Tears gift boxes were designed by our Youth Panel, many of whom have been bereaved themselves. They wanted to create a useful resource to help other children and young people when they experienced a significant bereavement. They were passionate about creating something that provides information, therapeutic activities & treats to support & give comfort during difficult times. They say “By receiving this box they will know that someone cares & it might help them feel less lonely.” S&T boxes come in 3 different age ranges; 0-7, 8-12 & 13-17 years.

 

Recent feedback about the Smiles and Tears boxes includes: “I really loved my box of special things (Smiles & Tears Box). I love my book about my friend, and our memories are there safe, so we won’t forget him. I still feel very sad, but I have my snow leopard to cuddle and think of him.” – a 7 year old girl who received one of the gift boxes.

 

Maisie, Funding and Marketing Officer, said “A huge thank you to the Clan Trust for their generous funding of our Smiles and Tears boxes. These gift boxes are sent to children and young people in the weeks following a bereavement of someone close to them, to provide them with resources and treats to support them through the early days of their grief. This funding will allow 120 boxes to be sent out, which means this funding is directly supporting 120 bereaved children and young people across Norfolk with their grief. Thank you so much!”

Thank you to Alan Boswell Group Charitable Trust!

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Thank you to Alan Boswell Group Charitable Trust!

 

A huge thank you to the Alan Boswell Group Charitable Trust granting Nelson’s Journey a 6 months Child Bereavement Support Worker salary, to support our work with Norfolk’s children and young people!

 

This Funding allowed vital work including:

  • Over 100 1-1 sessions for children/young people with a trained Child Bereavement Support Worker
  • Over 50 children/young people supported
  • Specialist support at interventions – 2 Hilltop Activity Weekends and Grief Connections
  • The delivery of Professionals Training, Parent and Carer workshops and volunteer training
  • Support for a bereaved teenage friendship group
  • Crucial training with partner organisations to benefit our services

 

Our Funding and Marketing Officer, Maisie said ” A huge thank you to the Alan Boswell Group Charitable Trust, who funded a 6 month salary of a Child Bereavement Support Worker, enabling crucial work helping bereaved children and young people across Norfolk. Funding received from generous charitable trusts and organisation allows Nelson’s Journey to continue our life-changing work. ”

 

 

Adam’s London Marathon

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Adam’s London Marathon

We recently spoke with Adam, who is running the London Marathon for Nelson’s Journey:

“Hi I’m Adam and I am running the London Marathon again this year. One of my big regrets from last year running the marathon was not raising money for charity. It is such an amazing opportunity to help others, so this year I’m determined to make a difference and have decided to run for Nelson’s Journey.

“I visited their HQ recently and it reinforced my belief at what at an amazing local charity we have for our community, for those vulnerable people most in need at such a difficult life moment, in their time of need.

“Unlike other charities, they do not get council or government backing and rely solely on fundraising. It’s hard to put into words how much this team makes a difference to young people when life deals out the toughest moments. Marathons are tough, but nothing could trump the team behind this amazing charity I am honoured to be championing.”

Thank you to East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund!

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Thank you to East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund!

 

A huge thank you to the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund for granting us £1,700, which will enable Nelson’s Journey to deliver 2 Grief Connections Days workshops.

 

Funding would go towards the delivery of 2 of our Grief Connections Workshops. These are 1 day, group-led sessions, that parents/ carers attend with their Children and Young People.

 

The purpose of this day is to help children and their families explore what grief looks like to them; to help understand and make sense of the emotions commonly experienced when grieving; and look at different coping strategies to help with these feelings and emotions. Our Grief Connections Days bring families together, and young people and their parents/carers have the opportunity to share their stories with others who understand and have had similar experiences.

 

The activities delivered enable improved communication between families and greater understanding of emotions as they are encouraged to share their own grief journey with others.

 

Our Funding and Marketing Officer, Maisie said “We were so pleased to receive this funding from East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund. The delivery of 2 Grief Connections Days will allow us to support more children and young people, and their families, who have experienced bereavement. Generous funding from organisations and funds like this enable Nelson’s Journey to continue our life-changing work, so a huge thank you to all involved in the funding at Norfolk Community Foundation and from East of England Co-op!”