Over 50 people set to take part in 200 for 200 walk

With celebrity endorsement and to date over 50 people taking part, the Theatre Royal’s 200 for 200 sponsored walk is gaining momentum.

“We are absolutely delighted,” said Julia Read, who is running the project.

“We would love to have over 100 people taking part on the final day, Monday, April 22, and are aiming to raise £15,000.

“Walkers will be helping to raise funds for individuals and youngsters coming through our Community Engagement Programme which we simply wouldn’t be able to offer without having secured the requisite funding”.

Over the last three years the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds has been working with several other charities including the Women’s Refuge, Bury Drop In Centre, The Befriending Hub, the YMCA and drink and drug rehab centres to name a few.

In doing so it has reached literally hundreds of individuals who are vulnerable and on the margins of the community to offer them connections back.

This pioneering community engagement work helps train people in creative and writing workshops, giving them opportunities, renewed self-esteem, a route back into the community and importantly a voice by often presenting their work on stage to audiences of friends, family, service providers and those who can help bring about change for those so often in desperate situations.

Walkers will also be raising funds to support the theatre’s ability to offer its range of opportunities for children and young people, helping inspire them to achieve their potential.

The theatre’s contribution to the community is far, far broader than the variety of shows happening on stage too.

It is a major cultural and social asset and a key part of mid to west Suffolk’s heritage and tourism industries reinvesting over £4.2m into the local economy.

It is also a registered charity reliant on over 16% of its annual income from fundraising.

“We are very grateful to Bury Physio who are supporting the 200 for 200 Sponsored Walk and putting in a team of walkers too,” said Julia.

Anna Clayton, of Bury Physio, added: “We are delighted to sponsor this particular fundraising initiative. The importance of health and wellbeing is at the heart of the treatment we provide at the clinic.

“Walking is brilliant form of exercise that is accessible to people with all levels of ability and fitness.  The benefits are abundant with improvements in heart and lung function, bone strength and joint mobility. It is also a great way to manage mental health when outdoors in nature where we have the opportunity to be mindful of the environment around us.”

If you would like to join in visit the Theatre Royal website https://www.theatreroyal.org/200-for-200/