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Ipswich power workers raise over £2,000 for children's bereavement charity

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

UK Power Networks employees from Ipswich have raised £2,100 for Winston's Wish, a charity supporting bereaved children and young people, by completing a challenging 28-mile hike.

Why it matters: The funds raised will help Winston's Wish continue supporting grieving children and young people across the UK. The charity relies on voluntary donations for 90% of its income.

The big picture: Ten UK Power Networks employees, mostly from Ipswich with some from Crawley, took on the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk.

  • They smashed their original fundraising target, raising over four times their initial goal.

  • UK Power Networks matched their efforts with a £500 donation.

Some of the ten walkers who raised over £2,100 for Winston’s Wish
Some of the ten walkers who raised over £2,100 for Winston’s Wish

Key details:

  • The 28-mile hike took the team through the High Weald countryside.

  • Participants completed the walk in just under 15 hours over two days.

  • A downpour made parts of the terrain challenging, but organiser Sam Duncan from Ipswich said it "really brought the team together to motivate and support each other."

What they're saying:

Walk organiser Sam Duncan said: “The whole team agreed it would be an excellent cause to raise money for, but also raise the profile of so that more people affected by family bereavement know they can provide support.”

Louisa Hancox, philanthropy and partnerships manager at Winston's Wish said:

"We are thrilled with the efforts of the team at UK Power Networks and are so thankful for everyone involved in the walk. Their commitment to raising funds and awareness helps to ensure that our services remain open and accessible to grieving children, young people, and the adults who care for them during the most difficult times."

The bottom line: Those wishing to support the cause can donate via the team's JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/outage-planning-ukpn

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Double victory for St Joseph's as young debaters shine

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St Joseph's College students demonstrated exceptional public speaking prowess, claiming victory in both intermediate and senior categories at a prestigious local debate competition.

Why it matters: The double win at the Ipswich East Rotary Club 'Youth Speaks' competition secures both teams places in the Norwich debating chamber finals next month, showcasing local talent on a regional stage.

The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant
The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevantSt Joseph's College

The details:

  • The college hosted the competition on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

  • The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society.

  • The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant.

What they're saying: "Working with these students and developing their oracy and public speaking skills through debating is such a joy!" said Dr Briege Rice, Stretch and Challenge Coordinator and History and Politics teacher at St Joseph's College.

"These skills are vital in every field, fostering confidence, clear communication and critical thinking. The standard of debating was very high, and we are very proud of this extraordinary achievement of our students," she added.

The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society
The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human societySt Joseph's College

The bottom line: The competition, supported by the Rotary Club, continues to foster key communication skills amongst young people through its Youth Speaks initiative, with St Joseph's teams now preparing to showcase their talents in February's finals.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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