Friends of a bereaved couple have spoken of their immense pride after completing an energy-sapping 32-mile coastal walk and helping raise more than £26,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
A hardy group of 31 people represented the Just George team at last Saturday’s Norfolk Pier 2 Pier event.
Organised by EACH, the popular fundraiser featured 130 people and raised £56,000, taking participants along the Norfolk Coastal Path from Cromer to Great Yarmouth.
Among them were the Just George contingent, who were showing their support as a thank you for the care four-year-old George Radcliffe received at Milton – EACH’s Cambridgeshire base – after being diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (a soft tissue tumour) in May 2022.
He was referred to EACH the following Spring and died at the hospice last October.
Parents David and Lisa have subsequently received bereavement support and David was among those to take on the challenge, having already completed a 100-mile bike ride, in London. Lisa and two close friends gave up their time as volunteers, handing out medals at the finish.
Alongside David during the walk was lifelong friend Tom Fretwell.
“My legs were certainly sore on Saturday evening,” said the 40-year-old.
“It was hard going, with lots of rough terrain, but everyone did amazingly.
“I felt proud to be part of such a huge team and enjoyed talking to others on the walk.
“Everyone was doing it for their own reason, for the common goal of supporting EACH.
“It brought people together from all different backgrounds and we channelled some of the strength Lisa and David have shown since George died.
“In turn, I know they’d also say they’ve channelled George’s strength and they have a motto to represent positivity, strength and seeking out adventure, which is ‘Be more George’.
“It was emotional and there were quiet periods of reflection during the walk.
“However, at no point did anyone contemplate not going the distance, no matter how long it took.”
Another team of four friends completed last month’s Suffolk Pier 2 Pier event, raising £3,000 for EACH.
More friends and family have signed up for Saturday’s Newmarket Bubble Rush and also EACH’s first Lego Walk, taking place at Milton, in September.
Tom says it is important to both him and others to rally around their friends and show support for EACH.
“Rather than dwelling on everything that’s happened, David and Lisa have used George’s memory to do something positive,” he said.
“We wanted to do the same and have been inspired by their energy
“David is one of my oldest friends. We grew up together, have lived together and live in the same village now. We walk together every single morning.
“I know he and Lisa received incredible support from EACH, which has made such a difference.
“George was a very happy little boy. He was into everything, from space and science to books, dinosaurs and languages.
“He loved learning and exploring, had a special energy and was a very well-loved child who clearly took on his parents’ best attributes.”
Also among the Just George team was Lisa’s childhood friend, Michelle Barnes.
“It was far more challenging than I’d anticipated, but an absolute honour to do so under the Just George name,” she said.
“We had 31 people walking for Just George, easily recognisable by our orange capes with the Just George logo. This visibility not only helped us identify each other but also prompted other walkers to ask about George, giving us the wonderful opportunity to share his story.
“EACH enveloped Lisa, David and George in love and care. They were by their side when the news of George’s relapse came and when the treatment ended.
“George received incredible care and support during his illness and witnessing their dedication firsthand inspired me to want to give back to this incredible charity. The nurses were another level of amazing.”
Michelle says George was “amazing” and “dearly loved” and that taking on the walking challenge, raising vital funds, was her way of giving back to EACH.
“When we first learned of George’s diagnosis, family and friends rallied to support them, providing meals, gifts and surrounding them with love,” she said.
“There were times when all we could do was offer support and let them know we were here when they needed us.
“Participating allowed many of us to give back and help make a difference and walking alongside David made the experience even more special.
“It was an opportunity to give back to EACH and all 31 one of us made it to the finish line. Seeing the amount we raised was worth every blister on my broken feet.”
Image: Michelle Barnes (centre) with two of her Just George team-mates 2
