A kind-hearted fundraiser is taking on a toe-curling challenge to honour the memory of two “amazing little girls” she had the honour of teaching.

Pippa Williams is being joined by husband Simon for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Lego Walk, at Milton, next Sunday (September 29).

Participants are seeking sponsorship in return for walking barefoot across 10,000 plastic bricks, and Pippa has a special and personal reason for supporting EACH.

She has signed up for the challenge in memory of former pupils Lucy and Charlotte.

Pippa, who has kept in touch with both girls’ families, met them during the early stages of her career at Highfields Special School, in Ely.

“It was a real honour to meet and get to know Lucy and Charlotte,” said the 40-year-old, who lives in March.

“They were two amazing little girls.

“As a young teacher, they had a profound impact on me, and my career, and it was an honour spending time with them. Both were unique.

“Lucy and I had a great relationship, and I could always make her laugh and smile by whispering things in her ear.

“Charlotte was uniquely special to me, as are her family, Vicki, Jonathon and Emily.

“They became an extended family to me, and being in their home, and out and about with her, was always great fun.

“Like Lucy, she had a huge impact on me, and I learnt so much from her, as a young special needs teacher.

“In fact, I’d say she taught me a whole lot more than I taught her.”

Through Lucy and Charlotte, in addition to other pupils at her school, Pippa became well aware of the difference EACH makes.

She has seen first-hand the care and support families receive through the most difficult of times.

“It’s an amazing organisation and a lifeline when parents and families need it most.

“When people think of a hospice, they tend to think of end of life, but it’s about so much more than that.

“Staff become part of the family, and they’re there for the whole journey, from the moment the child comes through the door.

“Not only that, it’s there for the whole family – a completely holistic approach - and I know EACH was a huge help in terms of supporting both Lucy and Charlotte’s siblings.

“The hospice isn’t always a sad place, as people may think. A lot of fun things happen there, and it’s a genuinely inspiring place, where special memories are created.”

Pippa and Simon, 52, hope to raise both funds and awareness by completing EACH’s very first Lego Walk.

“As a teacher, I’ve accidentally walked on plenty of Lego over the years, and it hurts,” she said.

“Given my background, it made me smile when I read about the event, and I thought it would be a fun way to raise funds for a special cause.”

To sponsor Pippa, visit www.eastangliaschildrenshospices.enthuse.com/pf/pippa-williams

To support Simon, go to 
www.eastangliaschildrenshospices.enthuse.com/pf/simon-williams

There is still time to register for EACH’s Lego Walk. The cost is £11 for a child’s ticket and £15 for adults.

There are four time slots between 2pm and 3.30pm. To find out more and book, visit www.each.org.uk/support-us/events/lego-walk-2024/

(Image: EACH)