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

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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

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

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