Norfolk Christian completes 36 mile charity run

Helen Salmon Boudicca RunOn Sunday, November 4, braving the cold and rain, Norfolk counsellor Helen Salmon completed a 36 mile run along the Boudicca Way from Diss to Norwich in 8 hours raising money for the Norfolk Christian counselling service 4Cs and Cruse Bereavement Care.

Helen Salmon’s 36 mile 'Boudicca Run' took place on a cold and rainy Sunday 4 November, starting at 7am at Diss Train Station and finishing at the Whitlingham Outdoor Education Centre in Norwich at 3pm
 
Despite the miserable conditions Helen was joined by runners, walkers and supporters along the way, with a crowd congregating for the last mile around Whitlingham Broad.
 
Helen completed the run in good spirits, in spite of a sore leg, and addressed the crowd with good humour.  

She said: “I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone for coming today and supporting me especially as the weather has just been horrible.  It has been raining since 7.30am and we think it has just stopped.  It has all been for two charities that mean a huge amount to me, so thank you very much. ”
 
The Chair of Cruse Bereavement Care, Bill Armstrong, a Norfolk Coroner joked: “Boudicca didn’t quite succeed in getting rid of the Romans - she gave them a good run for their money and Helen has certainly given us a good run for our money today.”
 
The Chair of 4Cs Counselling, Andy Gathercole, who ran the last 6 miles with Helen said: “It is just a phenomenal effort on the part of these guys, given the weather, given the mud and everything else.  
 
“People who are looking for help are very often not able to afford it and therefore organisations that offer counselling and support for free to those who are in need, whether its bereavement or other issues, are just so necessary.  We are just so grateful to Helen and the others.”
 
Helen, 47, from Hethel in South Norfolk is a counsellor for the 4Cs Counselling Centre based at Dereham Baptist Church. 4Cs is a local low-cost counselling organisation run by trained volunteers who are Christians. It has branches in Norwich, Dereham, Lowestoft, Wymondham and Aylsham.   The service is open to everyone who requires it regardless of circumstances or identity. 
 
The 36 mile run followed the Boudicca Way, a long distance footpath from Diss to Norwich which travels through beautiful countryside and picturesque villages such as Shotesham, Saxlingham Nethergate and Pulham Market.