Raft Racers reach £2,500 in donations to local charity FSNB

A team of racers who compete in the annual Needham Market Raft Race have been delighted to learn that their donations to Ipswich-based charity Fresh Start New Beginnings has enabled one child to receive therapeutic treatment services.

The group, known as Four Non Bonds, have competed to raise money since 2008, with previous beneficiaries including Ipswich Hospital and Cancer Research. This year the Needham Market Raft Race, held at Needham Lake, saw more than 1,000 people attend on the 16^th year with the Four Non Bonds taking the prize for best fancy dress with a theme of “Best of British”.

In addition to their water-based activities team members Stephen Boyce, Dan Mason, Gary Harrison and David Fryett have also organised events to boost their charity efforts. Steve Boyce explains “we had been racing since 2006 and, two years later, decided to put our efforts to good use and raise money for charity. We have supported Fresh Start New Beginnings since 2014, with additional events including Elvis nights and donations in lieu of Christmas cards.”

Patsy Johnson-Cisse, Fundraising Manager at Fresh Start New Beginnings, commented “We are incredibly grateful to the Four Non Bonds team for raising funds for us. Having recently reached £2,500 this equates to us being able to provide our therapeutic services to one child who has been a victim of sexual abuse. Fundraising efforts such as these enable us to extend our service and equip children with coping strategies, helping them to gain confidence and rebuild their lives.”

Fresh Start New Beginnings works with around 200 children across Suffolk and Norfolk, with a waiting list for their services. Through grants and fundraising they are seeking to increase the number of children they can help.

To find out more about how you can support the services of FSNB click here