Norfolk businesses exceed target in Nelson’s Journey’s 25th birthday campaign

Bereaved children in Norfolk have more support this year thanks to the efforts of a group of businesses in the county.

To mark its 25th birthday, Nelson’s Journey sought firms to back its “NJ25” campaign with the aim of collectively raising £25,000 to provide the funds for a full-time Child Bereavement Support Worker in the county.

The campaign was so successful that the final amount raised was more than £33,000, nearly a third more than the target.

In taking on the challenge the firms involved really went the extra mile, with some creative fundraising taking place such as Wensum Print’s football tournament, the Nelson Cup, Rosedale Funeral Home’s “Come Dine With Me” experience and Jaya Dance’s Bollywood workshops, among many more.

Those who took part in the NJ25 campaign were recently invited to Nelson’s Journey’s Smiles House HQ to receive a special memento recognising their efforts.

Simon Wright, Chief Executive of Nelson’s Journey, said: “The money raised by local businesses over the last year will have a huge impact for bereaved children and young people in Norfolk.

“Nelson’s Journey’s services are not paid for by large government contracts, and without the fundraising support of local people and organisations we simply wouldn’t exist.

“We are so grateful to those businesses who celebrated our 25th birthday with us by going above and beyond with their fundraising efforts so that we can continue to invest in and develop the support available to local families.”

Businesses who took part in the NJ25 campaign include: Westcotec, Hilltop Outdoor Centre, Jaya Dance, Clevertouch, Rosedale Funeral Homes, DHL supply chain, Signs Express, Earlham Crematorium, SLM Toyota, The Goat Shed, Norfolk Paddleboards, KPMG, Leathes Prior and Wensum Print, Bluespace.