Wortham couple ‘inspired’ by work of hospice organising sale of more than 1,000 shoes

A Wortham couple “inspired” by the work of an East Anglian hospice are hoping to raise vital funds by hosting a charity sale — featuring more than 1,000 pairs of shoes.

Lesley and Mike Bowen, as well as a team of around 20 people, have helped organise the event, dubbed ‘Try Walking in My Shoes’, which will take place on Saturday July 4, from 10am-4pm at Diss Methodist Church in Victoria Road.

Funds raised will go to St Nicholas Hospice Care, in Bury St Edmunds.

Mrs Bowen, who thought of the initial fundraising idea, has worked in the care profession for 24 years, and is currently a practising naturopath with clinics in Diss and Colchester.

“I was inspired by being in the caring profession,” she said. “I wanted to give back.

“We were invited to go around St Nicholas Hospice by Miranda McCoy (community fundraiser) and if we weren’t compelled before, we were then.

“Everyone was smiling, and she took us around, from the first responders to the fundraising department and it is just so inspirational.

“That was the inspiration and by going to the hospice, it is just incredible, it is an incredible environment, it is very happy.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and willingness to help. We have been approached by so many people saying ‘do you still need shoes?’

“I just feel this is the time where I can give back.”

In addition to the many shoes on sale, there will be refreshments, and a raffle, including prizes of a trial flight in a glider, as well as money off vouchers for restaurants and tea rooms. The pair added they were grateful to the public and the Diss retail community for their support for the event.

For more information, or if you or your business can help, email Mike Bowen at wobul@mcb-biz.net, or call 01379 650192