A VICTORY walk for VE Day 75 inspired Bromsgrove teenager Izzi Dobbs to come up with a stroll and raffle, raising £600 for Cancer Research UK.
Izzi, from Breme Park, enjoyed the community wartime event and helped out at a ‘ration station’.
The 14-year-old wanted to do something else during the lockdown and chose the charity as she has a relative who has battled cancer and lymphoma.
As she spoke to more people she heard their own cancer fights which heightened her desire to raise more funds for the cause.
The North Bromsgrove High School pupil was helped by Victory Walk organiser Jo Allen.
They organised the 2.5k and 5k walks for the annual Cancer Survivors Day on June 7 but poor weather meant the event had to be moved to the 28th.
Jo and other residents supported Izzi, ensuring everything went well with the volunteer marshals, a map of the route, a booklet, cleaning up afterwards and a celebration in the square for the fund-raising finalists.
Izzi got busy on the phones, getting raffle prizes from Next and the star prize – a £250 vacuum cleaner from Dyson.
Mum Katie said: “We’re so proud of her for what she achieved and the money she has raised.
“The lockdown has brought the estate together and Izzi loves the community spirit.
“Before March you would struggle to get some children outside the front door and now they all want to be involved.”
Mrs Needle, North Bromsgrove High School’s performing arts teacher, also lives on Breme Park.
She said it was a privilege to support Izzi’s hard work, determination and fund-raising.
“She represents everything we are proud of at North – kindness and compassion for others.”
The manager of Zinga in Aston Fields Imitaz Patel and his wife Saairah donated a raffle prize and sponsorship from their family and friends after their own personal loss will boost Izzi’s tally further.
These community get-togethers have also led to the creation of Team Breme – which is using the square on the estate to put on future events for everyone living there.
Visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/izzis-giving-page-3 to add to Izzi’s funds.
