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Mum's hospital experience inspires Christmas toy donation drive

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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

A mother whose son spent last Christmas in hospital has spearheaded a campaign that will bring festive cheer to children in Ipswich and Colchester hospitals this year.

The big picture: Jo Day, Sales Operations Director at Hudson Group, launched the "Hudson Elfs Out" campaign after her own son Newlyn, now seven, spent time in hospital during last Christmas period. For every sale made in November, the company pledged to buy a toy for hospitalised children.

Toys donated to Ipswich and Colchester hospital by Hudson Group
Jo Day, Sales Operations Director at Hudson Group, launched the campaign after her own son Newlyn, now seven, spent time in hospital during last Christmas periodHudson Group

Behind the initiative: Day said: "We're so excited that we've been able to donate so many toys to children this Christmas. It's been a magical project to be involved with, and we know the toys will bring some festive cheer."

The details:

  • More than 170 toys donated to children spending the festive period in hospital

  • Most toys will be distributed to children at Ipswich and Colchester hospitals

  • Some toys will remain in hospital play areas for year-round use

  • Newlyn, now recovered, helped select the toys for donation

  • The campaign was backed by Hudson Group's management team

The personal connection: "We thought Newlyn would be spending last Christmas in hospital," Day explained. "So, we understood how hard that is for children and their families. Luckily, Newlyn was allowed home on Christmas Eve, but from that moment, I knew we could do something to help others less fortunate."

Bottom line: What started as one family's challenging Christmas experience has transformed into a community initiative that will brighten the festive season for children in local hospitals.

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Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.

Why it matters: The Sip'Swich trails, organised by Ipswich Central  in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council, aim to showcase the town's brilliant selection of pubs and bars to a wider audience, helping people discover new venues they've never visited before.

The big picture: Littler, who moved to Ipswich six months ago, was awarded a limited edition Sip'Swich reusable cup and received a surprise £50 voucher from men's retailer James St. Peter's for being the first to complete both trails.

Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucher
Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucherIpswich Central

What they're saying: "Having moved to Ipswich six months ago and loving a drink with friends, when I saw the trails being promoted in the local paper newsfeed it was right up my street as something to do!" Littler said.

By the numbers: The ambitious pub-goer visited 13 venues on Saturday 8 March before returning to complete the final two a couple of days later. He collected his prize less than a week after the trails launched.

The details: As a computer scientist with brewing in his blood, Littler scored each location on a 1-10 scale rating for enjoyment of the drink, price and atmosphere.

"The Arbor House and Crafty Fox were two venues that I was really impressed with for their friendly and knowledgeable staff plus recommendations they made. The Arbor House was an unexpected gem that I'd go back to, and, the Crafty Fox had a really lovely vibe about it," he said.

To make the challenge more interesting, Littler had a different type of drink in every venue, including wine at Boom Battle Bar, a cocktail at Cosy Club and a spirit at The Black Horse Inn.

Adam Littler sitting in a cafe
Adam Littler was the first to complete the Sip'Swich trailAdam Littler

What's next: Littler plans to do the trail again with another group of friends so his girlfriend can also win a reusable cup. Meanwhile, the trails will run until the end of April or when all prizes have been claimed.

Lee Walker  from Ipswich Central said:

Ipswich is so lucky to have an incredible range of pubs and bars each with their own character and ambience. We devised Sip'Swich as a way of showcasing those places to a wider audience.

The bottom line: Further special prizes will be awarded over the coming weeks, including a voucher for a brewery tour donated by the Briarbank Brewery. Details and trail cards can be downloaded from www.allaboutIpswich.com/sipswich or collected from any of the 15 participating venues.

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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