Bury St Edmunds organiser of national event hopes to top £100,000 this year

The organiser of an Easter weekend challenge hopes the event will help her team edge closer to raising a whopping £100,000.

Wendy Hooton, 66, of Bury St Edmunds, has been organising fund-raising events on behalf of the Women’s Royal Army Corp Association (WRAC) since 2013.

The former Army warrant officer served in the Army for 18 years and is now the nationwide team leader for events which raise money for female Army veterans.

Every year, Wendy, and her team from across the country have taken part in sponsored runs, walks and last year also held a sponsored cycle ride on Remembrance Day.

However, with Covid restrictions still in place, Wendy has decided to organise an event with a difference this weekend.

“Rather than get together, on Sunday, 40 members from fundraising team will be setting out in the respective locations and doing their bit at home,” said Wendy, a former landlady of the Ipswich Arms in Bury St Edmunds.

“They will be doing this all around the country including England, Scotland and England. The ladies will be cycling, walking or running from their individual homes and visiting churches and cathedrals along the way.

They will share pictures of their journeys on Facebook for the public to see and support.

"We thought it was a great way to not only celebrate Easter but to raise some funds, too.”

The money raised goes to female veterans who are in need of financial support and also to Guildford Cathedral, the town where the WRAC training camp was based.

"Since 2013, we have raised more than £90,000 in total and hope to break through the £100,000 barrier this year, with a second event later on,” said Wendy.

“The money helps women Army veterans with needs including everything from paying for mobility scooters to help with bills, when they have fallen on hard times.

“We’d be very grateful if people would support our efforts this year.”

To support Wendy and her team, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com

To see pictures from the event search Wendy Hooton on Facebook where she will be uploading them.

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