Headway Suffolk stages its 13th annual Cycle Ride and Walk in Ipswich and the surrounding area on Saturday 4 September to raise vital funds for its rehabilitation, therapy and support services.
The ride comprises three different routes – 30, 40 and 50 miles – going through the nearby area and each starting and finishing at the brain injury charity’s base on West Road in Ipswich.
The walk is a 10-mile disability-friendly route, again from its Ipswich hub, that goes through Kesgrave. Walkers will be able to enjoy refreshments at the half way point, generously supplied by The Bell in Kesgrave.
Like most charities, Headway Suffolk has been significantly impacted by Covid over the past year with its services severely restricted during lockdowns and its income drastically reduced.
Helen Fairweather, Chief Executive at Headway Suffolk, said: “After a very difficult and worrying year for the charity, we are pleased to have increased our services for clients as restrictions have eased.
“The Cycle Ride and Walk is a great opportunity to come together and celebrate everyone’s efforts in getting through the pandemic. There is always wonderful camaraderie and team spirit.
“All sponsorship raised will help us increase our range of services for people in Suffolk living with brain injury, stroke and neurological conditions and their families.”
The ride and walk is open to everyone and is an ideal team-building exercise for companies with the Headway Shield presented to the team that raises the most sponsorship.
It’s free to take part if you gain sponsorship of £10 minimum, or just £10 registration fee.
All participants receive a warm welcome and free refreshments at the finish!
Further information is available at www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk/events.
Last year, passionate cyclists and walkers responded to Headway Suffolk’s call for support by raising a fantastic £5,000 for the charity, including local businesses Timberwolf, Glemham Underwriting Ltd, Barnes Construction and Seven Group, an asset and property management company.
Seven’s group director Jackie Dunnett took part in the walk after her husband Roy Dunnett suffered a stroke and was supported by Headway Suffolk.
Jackie said: “The five-mile walk from Headway to the quay was really nice with great weather and we stopped for coffee at Isaacs. But the walk back was much more difficult!
“Headway were fantastic with Roy after his stroke, so it’s good to give some support back.”
Local brain injury survivor Anna Leggett also took part in the walk and said: “I felt quite emotional doing it, especially going back to Headway for the first time after three years when I was in a bad way during my rehab and realising how far I’ve come. I really am thankful to Headway for their support when I needed it.”