Daring donation double header raises thousands for Suffolk Mind

Dozens of fundraisers have raised tens of thousands of pounds for Suffolk Mind during a daring donation double header.

More than 75 fundraisers took part across two fundraising events for us on the weekend of September 21 – our annual skydive followed by the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon the following day.

The two separate events raised £33,193

One brave sole, keen runner Oliver Watson, even took on both challenges – raising more than £1,100.

Oliver said: “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 – and would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated.

“Suffolk Mind are a brilliant charity who do brilliant work all year round!”

In total, 57 runners took on the Larking Gowen Half Marathon, while 22 took to the skies over Beccles Airfield

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

“It was great to be joined by so many supporters across both days, including at the official Suffolk Mind cheer point during Sunday’s race. The atmosphere was electric.

“Every penny they have raised will go directly to supporting our mission of making Suffolk the best place in the world to talk about and take care of mental health.

“All of us at Suffolk Mind are hugely thankful to our fantastic fundraisers and super sponsors for making this possible.”

Fundraisers running the half marathon for Suffolk Mind did so in style thanks to specially designed vests kindly donated by our sponsor, Orwell Fitness

Darren Hotten and Kirsty Turner, founders of Orwell Fitness, completed the race together.

He said: “It was an absolute pleasure to support Suffolk Mind on another memorable event.

“It was brilliant to see so many runners donning the Suffolk Mind vests too. There was a real sense of community and it was great to meet everyone before celebrating together at Portman Road afterwards.”

Sian Taylor, another runner taking part at the event for Suffolk Mind, added: “I ran for Suffolk Mind as I strongly believe that mental health needs more focus and support throughout our community.

“I support young people on a day-to-day basis within the specialist education sector and it’s heartbreaking to see how mental health can impact the overall health and happiness of so many.

“I have also had many personal experiences of friends, family and myself struggling with mental health and I felt contributing in this way could be invaluable to some.

“The day of the race was tricky but I’m incredibly proud of all the training and investment I dedicated to the race. The pain may last a few days after, but it all felt worth it for such a great cause.”

Take a look at our gallery to see pictures from the weekend.

Those looking to take part in the 2025 Larking Gowen Ipswich Half can sign up now.