Canaries legend Grant Holt embarks on an epic challenge next week, in aid of the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation and Big C Cancer Charity. Here, he explains why it’s for a cause close to his heart
Grant Holt will lead a group of walkers on an epic 150-mile journey around the Norfolk countryside, starting next Wednesday. Walking day and night, the challenge will conclude in dramatic style as the group walks onto the pitch at Carrow Road ahead of Norwich City Football Club’s match against Portsmouth F.C. on Friday April 18.
The 150-Mile Challenge, powered by Arc Group was conceived by the Canaries legend; Richard Pearce of Barclays Wealth, and Adam Miller from Arc Group, and is set to inspire the community while raising vital funds equally for two prominent local charities:
• Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, who use the power of sport to support and inspire our community. The Foundation deliver a variety of programmes across the county with the objective of driving inclusion for people with disabilities, boosting mental health and wellbeing, and supporting disadvantaged people to raise their aspirations.
• Big C Cancer Charity, who support anyone affected by cancer in Norfolk and surrounding counties, whether that is someone with a cancer diagnosis or their loved ones, from diagnosis and treatment through to life beyond cancer.
The group of walkers are busy preparing for the challenge, and for many it’s for causes very close to their heart. Grant Holt says: “I lost my dad to cancer when I was just 18, and it was incredibly tough. Looking back, I wish I’d had access to a place like Big C—somewhere to sit, talk to someone, and share what I was feeling over a coffee. Alongside that, the Community Sports Foundation does amazing work supporting people right across Norfolk. I’m taking on this huge challenge to give back to two incredible charities that do so much for our communities and the people in them.”
Adam Miller of ARC Group adds: “It’s so personal. Big C helped my family and I so much when Dad was ill. They organised and facilitated my sister’s wedding in the hospital so Dad could walk my sister down the aisle. They are truly amazing.”
This fundraiser follows on from a virtual 150-mile challenge which the two charities held in February and March, encouraging people inspired by this epic challenge to complete 150 miles of their own. Participants covered the miles walking, running and cycling, to achieve their goal, with group walks organised throughout the two months to help support everyone taking part and help tick off the huge distance.
Richard Pearce says: “Both charities deliver outstanding support and facilities to our local area. The breadth and reach of the work they do is remarkable and it’s an honour to play a small role in supporting the positive outcomes and difference they make to our community.”
In a joint statement, Emma Fletcher-Dungay, Head of Fundraising at the Community Sports Foundation and Tom Holmes, Events and Engagement Manager at Big C commented on the challenge:
“We are thrilled to collaborate on the 150-Mile Challenge, an inspiring initiative that unites our community to make a real difference. This partnership between the Community Sports Foundation and Big C highlights the power of teamwork, raising vital funds to transform lives through sport and provide essential care and support for those affected by cancer. Together, we can achieve something extraordinary in Norfolk.”
The 150-mile walk starts on Wednesday April 16, 2025 in King’s Lynn and finishes on Friday April 18 at Carrow Road ahead of Norwich City Football Club’s match against Portsmouth FC. To find out more about the challenge and sponsor the team, please visit givewheel.com.
Featured image of Grant Holt supplied by Big C
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