1 week Ago
A fundraiser is to walk 32 miles in memory of a "kind, fun, and cheeky boy." Amy Barber, a volunteer at the 15th Norwich Beaver pack, is taking on the challenge for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) Norfolk Pier 2 Pier event. She will be walking in memory of 12-year-old Rhys, a member of her Beaver pack, who died in July 2022 after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in November 2021.
Ms Barber will be joined by Rhys's mum, Melanie, on the walk from Cromer to Great Yarmouth on June 7. READ MORE: Revealed: £12m aviation centre is losing council's company up to £500k a year Rhys and his dad Trevor (Image: EACH) Ms Barber said: "They’re like family to me, and I knew Rhys from a very young age, when he first started coming to our Beaver pack. "He was such a lovely boy and like a little brother to me.
"At Beavers, I’m obviously not supposed to have favourites – but he was one of my favourites." Rhys and his family received care and support from EACH, and Ms Barber was among those who visited him at the Nook. She described it as an "incredible" place, like a home away from home.
Ms Barber said: "Towards the end, it was an incredibly hard time, and, when further treatment was out of the question, his family were referred to EACH. "They spent six weeks there, and it was amazing for family and friends to come in and spend time with them, given that this was in the midst of Covid." Looking ahead to the Pier 2 Pier walk, Ms Barber said she and Melanie love a challenge.
She said: "Mel and I are a bit crazy, and we’re no stranger to these mad challenges. "In all seriousness, we know it’s going to be tough, but we’re prepared and game for a laugh." To sponsor Amy, visit the EACH website.
The Norfolk Pier 2 Pier takes participants along the Norfolk Coastal Path, and sign-ups close on May 11..
