Gina Long talks to the man who has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for East Anglian charities.
What’s the impact of Covid-19 and how are you adapting?
I was working as an estate agent in Norwich, unfortunately, as a result of COVID-19, I have been made redundant. Pretty much all of my time is spent fundraising for various charities along with getting all the products either donated or purchased at a kind price, which I then deliver to every hospital. My next event should have been ‘The Heart and Soul Ball’ which was being held at Carrow Road, with many celebrities attending on May 16. We were due to raise money for three children with cancer, each of them from Norwich. This has sadly been postponed until May 15, 2021. For those on Facebook, do take a look at my NHS Superheroes page, which highlights all I am doing and shows where all the funds raised for our wonderful NHS in Norfolk and Suffolk are going.
What help and advice would you like to give our readers during the Covid-19 lockdown time?
I am a positive person, therefore always encourage everyone to try and stay positive too. Try not to dwell on what you are missing out on doing. Instead, perhaps focus on just how good it will be to do all the things you would like to in the future. Also, do please check-up and in with people who live around you, be a good neighbour.
What is your connection to East Anglia?
I moved to Thetford from London when I was 13, then to Norwich when I was 23. I could not imagine leaving Norfolk now, it’s mine and my family’s home.
What is your East Anglian Heaven ie what do you love most about East Anglia?
The north Norfolk coast and The Broads.
What is your East Anglian Hell ie what you hate most about living here?
Probably the endless roadworks wherever I go.
What’s your favourite East Anglian landmark?
Cromer Pier, where it has to be said, I can’t go without buying lunch at Number One chip shop, along with a fresh crab to take home.
What’s the best thing that happens in East Anglia every year?
I tend to do at least one fundraising ball per year, so it has to be that!
What your specialist Mastermind subject?
Boxing.
What is always in your fridge?
Cheese and eggs.
What’s your simple philosophy of life?
No matter how busy you are, think of others.
What’s your favourite film?
The Godfather II.
What was your first job?
A milk round at weekends, 50p per hour.
What is your most treasured possession?
My late mum’s wedding ring.
Who do you admire most?
My late mum and a WWII veteran the late Frank Clay (he was like a father to me). Both big influences on my life.
What is your biggest indulgence?
I love Sunday roast either at home, or out with friends.
What do you like about yourself most?
That I have proudly raised over £670,000 for various charities and I have so many great memories from this.
What’s your worst character trait?
I am very unforgiving.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
A Mediterranean cruise, I absolutely loved it.
Best day of your life?
When my children were born. My son Jack was born three years to the day after my mum died, which was very special to me.
My daughter Holly arrived nine weeks early, weighing just 2lb 14oz.
What’s your favourite breakfast?
I have enjoyed going to The Ber St Kitchen. I consider it to also serve the best Sunday Rroast or ‘sunny side up’ in Norwich, both special independent places.
What’s your favourite tipple?
Modelo beer and Monkey 47 gin (not together).
What’s your hidden talent?
Fundraising.
What’s your earliest memory?
My older sisters taking turns to take me out for the day.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Sister Sledge, He’s The Greatest Dancer, which was clearly written for me…
Tell us something people don’t know about you?
I am the greatest dancer wherever I go, people just do not seem to realise it.
What do you want to tell our readers about most?
NHS Superheroes is on Facebook. We have set up key contacts at the Norfolk and Norwich, Norwich Community, West Suffolk, Queen Elizabeth and James Paget Hospitals. Basically we are supplying them with things that they need or that will boost their morale during Covid-19. We have bought hand creams, shower gels, decent tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits, coffee machines and pretty much anything they advise us will help our NHS. Please consider donating via our Facebook page https://www.gofundme.com/f/fundraising-for-our-nhs-superheroes
Are you doing something special during Covid-19 times? If you are living in Suffolk or Norfolk and are adapting your business to give support during Covid-19, please do email me at gina@hallfarmfornham.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here