My WiSH Charity Soapbox Challenge is revving up … and it’s free to watch

Saturday, September 2, see’s local NHS charity, My WiSH, host its fourth Soapbox Challenge on Mount Road, in Bury St Edmunds, and it’s free to spectate. 

Sally Daniels, the charity’s fundraising manager and organiser of the event, said: “We can’t wait to host this fantastic day once again. The teams have been hard at work building some fantastic soapboxes to race down the hill.”

She added: “It’s such a great community day with local businesses, groups, volunteers and supporters all helping us put on a day for everyone to come and watch. Their help is invaluable as it’s all hands on deck from the minute we close the road at 6am. Big thank you too to the Priory School for, once again, allowing us to use their premises for our Soapbox City.”

Sponsors including Sealeys Tools, GT Cleaning Machines, Clarkes of Walsham, AC Webb, Halo Service Solutions, Knight Lowe Accountants, plus headline sponsor, Treatt, mean that all money raised on the day will go towards a family counsellor for the Macmillan Cancer Unit, at the West Suffolk Hospital. 

Sue Smith, head of fundraising, added: “We already provide a counsellor for patients undergoing cancer treatment but realised there was a need for someone for the family to talk too to. This is one of the most difficult times for all involved and we want to ensure everyone has some support to help guide them.”

The teams will compete for four trophies: the best soapbox, best presentation, fastest time and best fundraisers. These too are sponsored by Treatt, Celant, ICE, AC Webb and Larking Gowen ensuring even more money will go towards the charity. 

Sally finished by saying: “Although it’s free to watch we hope our spectators will want to donate to help us raise as much money as possible for our family counsellor. We will be selling chequered flags and programmes on the day and obviously have collection buckets so please do bring your spare change.” 

All you need to know!

10.30am Soapbox City opens.

11am Soapbox Parade ready for the first race. There will be two races so the teams have two chances to impress the judges and race as fast as they can.

12.30pm Round two will commence (this is an approximate time).

Soapbox City is where you can see all the soapboxes up close and personal. There are stalls in the city, including food and drink and toilets. 

Parking. The charity kindly asks spectators to park at Ram Meadow or the Moreton Hall Community Centre and to avoid parking outside resident’s home.  If you have a disabled badge, please call 01284713466 to arrange parking at the venue. 

To find out more about the soapbox challenge please go to www.mywishcharity.co.uk