2010: A Norwich church, supported by local schools and groups, has galvanised a local community to come together to walk in the rain to help those who lost everything in the recent Haiti earthquake.

Oak Grove Chapel cancelled their normal Sunday morning service on February 7 to bring the local community together in the city’s Waterloo Park to raise money for the people of Haiti.

The walk started with a couple of songs from the Catton Community Choir, a time of silence followed by a countdown to the walk, then the ribbon was cut by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Evelyn Collishaw, The Sheriff, Professor Tim O'Riordan, MP Chloe Smith and the one and only Pudsey Bear, (pictured right) courtesy of BBC Children in Need.

The event was supported by the Angel Schools, Catton Grove Primary, Sewell Park College and the Pavilion Playgroup.

Sue Savory, from Oak Grove Chapel, said: “It was cold and for half of the morning it drizzled with rain, but the people came and they walked and they walked for Haiti, from toddlers to Granddad’s. A community came together to make a difference not for themselves, but for those who have lost everything.

“There was a great community atmosphere just being together. Some did one lap of the park, some ran 22 laps of the park and everyone enjoyed the cakes. 

“The event was a great success and just showed what a marvelous community there is in this part of the city.”

The final amount will be announced when all sponsors are in and all money raised will go to the Christian Aid Haiti relief fund.

Any donation towards the walk should be sent to Oak Grove Chapel, 70 Catton Grove Road, Norwich, NR3 3NT, cheques made payable to the Oak Grove Trust.