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Fundraisers raise over £34,000 for Suffolk Mind in daring weekend challenge

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More than 75 brave participants took on skydiving and half marathon challenges to support local mental health charity Suffolk Mind, raising an impressive £34,375 over a single weekend.

The big picture: Suffolk Mind saw an outpouring of community support during their "daring donation double header" on September 21-22, with fundraisers pushing their limits for a good cause.

Runners for Suffolk Mind at the Ipswich Half Marathon
Runners for Suffolk Mind at the Ipswich Half MarathonSuffolk Mind

By the numbers:

  • 22 skydivers took to the skies over Beccles Airfield.

  • 57 runners tackled the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon.

  • £34,375 total raised across both events.

Special mentions: Suffolk Mind's sponsor, Orwell Fitness, donated specially designed vests for the half marathon runners, and Orwell Fitness founders Darren Hotten and Kirsty Turner also completed the race.

One participant, Oliver Watson, took on both the skydive and half marathon, raising over £1,100.

Oliver Watson, after completing the Ipswich Half Marathon
Oliver Watson, after completing his skydive for Suffolk MindSuffolk Mind
Oliver Watson, after completing the Ipswich Half Marathon
Oliver Watson, after completing the Ipswich Half MarathonSuffolk Mind

What they're saying:

Oliver Watson: "I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the skydive and Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon for Suffolk Mind. It made for a busy weekend, but I would recommend it to anyone."

Wendy Sheppard, Head of Income Generation at Suffolk Mind: "The only thing more amazing than the performance of our awe-inspiring runners and skydivers was the huge amount of money they raised."

What's next: Those interested in participating in the 2025 Larking Gowen Ipswich Half can sign up now at Suffolk Mind's website.

The bottom line: Every penny raised will support Suffolk Mind's mission to make Suffolk "the best place in the world to talk about and take care of mental health."

Where have the boats gone? Ipswich Marina empties ahead of contentious £2m upgrade

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Dozens of boats are disappearing from their long-term berths at Ipswich Marina as owners scramble to find new moorings within a two-week deadline. The relocations come as Associated British Ports (ABP) prepares to begin a £2m upgrade of the northern side pontoons.

Why it matters: The exodus of 39 vessels marks a significant change for the waterfront landscape, temporarily altering the character of one of Ipswich's most distinctive areas.

The big picture: ABP says the existing pontoons on the northern side have reached the end of their "usable life", necessitating urgent relocations ahead of the winter period. The company plans to create new pontoons in front of Coprolite Street and the main university building.

Port of Ipswich in Ipswich
The exodus of boats makes for strange viewing at the waterfrontOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 39 boats need to relocate

  • £2m investment approved by ABP's board

  • 2 weeks given for vessels to move

  • 11 years some boat owners have been moored at the marina

What's happening: While some vessels will move to the opposite side of the wet dock, others may leave Ipswich entirely as the marina's established community faces disruption during the redevelopment.

Behind the scenes: The revised plans, submitted in July, followed compromises ABP says it made with boat owners. The company is now awaiting approval from Ipswich Borough Council, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

What they're saying: ABP's divisional port manager Paul Ager describes the £2m investment as a "strong vote of confidence" in the marina's future. The company says it has received "strong support" for upgrading the berthing facilities.

The bottom line: While the marina temporarily loses its familiar flotilla of vessels, ABP maintains the disruption is necessary for essential safety upgrades. The development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing transformation of Ipswich's waterfront.

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