It is almost 2 years since the loss of our beloved Finn the Phoenix, and, due to the situation with Covid 19 and the lockdown, it is unlikely we will be able to pay tribute to his memory in the way we would have wished to or to hold our annual charity quiz event. For this reason, we have been inspired to come up with a cunning and exciting plan! 

So, most of you will have probably heard of the 2.6 challenge and may have already taken part in activities to fundraise for your nominated charities. Well, this is the 25.6 challenge. 25.6 hours, that is. 25 hours, 6 minutes and 18 seconds to be precise. 25:06:18

25:06:18 is the exact date of the rising of the Phoenix- our little Finny, of course 💛🧡♥️ and this will form the duration of the challenge, starting at midday on Saturday 20th June through the night, to 1pm in the afternoon, of Sunday 21st. 

So where will this exciting event take place? Those of you who live in the area will know that a popular training ground for all local budding athletes are the Leigh on Sea Station steps - all 185 of them! 

We already have a merry band of crazies - oops! I mean kind souls - who have pledged half an hour (some a whole hour!) of their time to walk up and down these steps to raise funds for, our very own local children’s cancer charity, Gold Geese. Please, do not underestimate this challenge! Believe me, once you have been up and down a couple of times, your tight little calves will start to feel the burn! 

In order to comply with lock down rules, each household, pair or individual entrant has been allocated a time slot and has been asked to arrive just ten minutes in advance. There will be no mass gathering and household members and pairs will be taking it in turns to complete a flight, so only one person will be walking the steps, at any given time. 

Please, support us, if you can, either by donating via our just giving page to this wonderful charity or sharing our link. We still have a few places to fill, if you think you’re brave enough...can you rise like a Phoenix for Gold Geese? 

Here is a list of our fantastic Phoenix Team who are already ‘Fired up:ding!’ for this lofty ascent! 

Oisin Clancy

Lorraine & Chris Thomas

Katie Southgate & Matt Neale

Debi Mitchell 

Terri Silk & Oscar & Ava 

Lorraine & Violet Fitzgerald & Lauren Dawson

Tom Aldridge

Kate Wise & Katie

Louise & Billy Perrin

Leigh Nev

Nancy & Boo Schofield

Gill Dimmick, Theresa Phillips & Tim Ketterer

Christine, Mick, Molly and Michael Hodges

Mark Cranefield

Martin Diggines

Jessica Scott

Becky Wilson

Samijo Lang & little Joey

Nat and Pete

Doug, Zarina, Kira and Max Chester (remotely!)

Sam & Maddie  Somerset-Butler 

Niki & Martin Darbourn 

Jan Harvey & Rob Burns 

Lucy & Jim Hopton

Jane & Brad Farrer

Paul Clancy

Eilish Flanagan & Richard

Anne & Graham Purdham

Laura Degirolomo

William Gourley

Zoe McDermuid

Katie Spicer

Nigel Mathers 

Claire Folley, Leo & Rosalia

Sally Mckeown

Harvey Randall

Natalie and Sean McNabb

Alan Bromage, Lucy, Phil, Maggi, Metting, Sam, Mark and Leone

Jamie west

Vicky, Warren and Elouise

#werise #weflytogether

Gold Geese (GG) are a wonderful children's cancer charity,  based in Essex, and are dedicated to supporting local families who are fighting childhood cancers. They, also, work hard in campaigning to raise awareness of the symptoms of childhood cancer, the registration of stem cell donors and the promotion of blood donation.The care provided, differs in each circumstance, as GG tailor their support to the needs of each family. Each situation is approached with utmost sensitivity.

Our family benefited from their support, in a variety of ways, including late night dashes to Great Ormond Street Hospital, to spread a little cheer, after difficult procedures, to bringing us together with other families in the same situation. They lifted our spirits with pick-me-ups, when we were feeling low, and celebrated Finn’s bravery and successes of the milestones in his treatment. They provided emotional guidance in organising our darling boy’s funeral, as well as, therapy for the family, moving forwards.

For bereaved families, the continued focus on emotional well-being is much appreciated, by all. We have met many others, from different areas, and the aftercare we have received from GG, after everyone else had moved away, is a unique service and not the norm. There are frequent, check-ins with all families, remembering our children’s anniversaries and difficult times of the year, such as the start of the school year and Christmas. We will be eternally grateful for the support we have received from GG and know, first hand, what a huge difference they are making to all children and families with a cancer diagnosis, in our area.