Local fundraisers take on 64-mile endurance walk in bid to reach £10,000 charity milestone

A group of dedicated fundraisers will take on an extraordinary 64-mile walk from Capel St Mary to The Gate in Caister this week as they aim to raise a total of £10,000 for two charities close to their hearts.

Led by Carl Chatfield, the team will set off on Thursday 16 July, hoping to complete the challenge in around 25 to 26 hours, with only short comfort breaks along the way. 

The walk is the latest in a series of fundraising efforts which, over the past five years, have raised money for charities chosen because of the personal impact they have had on members of the group. 

This year, they are supporting Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity and Welfare Wagon. 

Carl was inspired to give back after seeing the care his mum received at Ipswich Hospital, while a fellow walkers wife underwent cancer treatment at a young age. 

Speaking ahead of the challenge, Carl said: "The support and care all of the staff have given here is just incredible. We've been fundraising for many years now because we've seen first-hand the difference that care makes to patients and their families." 

He also highlighted how previous fundraising has already made a significant difference to patient experience. 

"The money we raised last year helped fund a pharmacy on the Woolverstone Centre. When my mum finished her cancer treatment, we used to have to travel across the hospital to collect medication while she was feeling very vulnerable. Knowing patients can now receive that care much closer to the ward is fantastic." 

Preparation for the challenge has included regular training walks, with participants joining for a variety of personal reasons, united by a shared determination to support local charities and challenge themselves. 

Having already raised an impressive £8,000, the team is hoping their endurance walk, together with one final fundraising event, will help them reach their £10,000 target. 

Their 80s & 90s Night will take place at Venue 16 on Saturday 1 August, promising an evening of music, dancing and fundraising in support of both charities. Tickets

Donations and support are welcomed as the team prepares for what will be their toughest challenge yet. gofundme.com/f/carl-and-crew-ipswich-to-caister-2026 

Good luck and thank you to the team of walkers: Carl Chatfield, Clorina Warner, Chris "Twiggy" Collings, Mark Thompson, Ashley Margetson, Mel Sherman, Corrin Eaton, Reagen Fosker, Leo Leamey, Tina Keeley, June Procter, Sebastien Smith, Craig Dorrell, Ash Collings, Reece Collings, Ethan Winyard, Connor Leamey and Safety Drivers: Shane Sparrow, Nic Collings, Danny Walters, Barry Pickett, JP, and Darren Hardman.