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

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

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

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."

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

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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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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

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

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

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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