Team Zena10 comes together to put the fun in fundraising

A family of fundraisers has rallied the community to help support a good cause and keep busy during these uncertain times.

The Butcher and Gibbs families, who spearhead the Zena10 fundraising campaign, raising more than £60,000 for St Nicholas Hospice Care, have launched a new challenge, which has seen family, friends and the wider community come together to support the charity.

Like all of their fundraising, the families’ Zena10 Lockdown Challenge 2020 is in memory of Zena Butcher, a wonderful mum, sister, daughter and partner, who was cared for by the hospice before her death aged 37 in 2005.

The challenge, which has so far raised £1,445, started on Monday, 20 April, when Zena’s sister Tracey Butcher set up their Echoleft Zena10 Lockdown Challenge fundraising page.   

Zena’s daughter Connie Gibbs then got busy on Instagram and the fundraising page was shared on Twitter and Facebook too. 

The idea for the challenge is simple, all those taking part need to set themselves a challenge that focuses on the number 10, complete it, donate £10 to the hospice and then nominate five others to do the same.

The challenge can be anything you like as long as it’s connected to the number 10. Connie started with 10 different bakes over 10 days.

Connie said: “I can’t believe how many people have got involved. I kicked off the challenge on Instagram and nominated five of my friends, now people are getting involved that I would never expect.

“People have been tagging our Instagram page @_Zena10_ with a photo/video of their challenge and it has been a fantastic way to see what everyone is up to.

“This lockdown isn’t ideal for anyone so setting a small challenge gives individuals the opportunity to put their mind to something whilst raising money for a remarkable cause.

“Mum would’ve thrived on something like this, helping the community whilst having some fun at the same time. This is her legacy too.

“Thank you to everyone who has taken part and donated so far, we are truly thankful for all your support. Keep the challenges coming.”

It didn’t take long before Zena10’s family and friends were right behind them and the challenge has continued to grow.

So far, the challenges have included 10 rounds on a punch bag for 10 days, 10,000 steps a day for 10 days, 100 press-ups for 100 days, writing ten chapters of a new book, shooting 100 goals for ten days, sending ten virtual hugs and cooking 10 difference dishes – the list is endless.

Tracey said: “I may now have completed my Zena10 Lockdown Challenge (100 goals every day for 10 days) but the Z10 challenges continue for so many.

“I am continuing to support everyone and want to thank team members for taking part – supporting our family, whilst raising funds for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

“Taking part in this challenge has definitely given me a positive focus through this crazy lockdown and keeps a smile on my face.

“Anyone who may want to join in on the Zena10 Lockdown Challenge be our guest – everyone is welcome.”

On Sunday (May 3) a night filled with some of the best hits of the 80’s also added to the challenge’s funds. Streamed by Carl Chapman from 80’s in Motion, the night-in raised just under £200.

Zena’s sister Mandy Smart, said, “Everyone has as usual been so supportive and has taken on some fun challenges. Supporting Z10 means St Nicholas Hospice Care can provide the right help to lots of families.”

All of the money raised will support the charity, which provides services to helps those across West Suffolk and Thetford facing dying, caring and grief.

The Zena10 Team have always been passionate supporters of  Nicky’s Way, the Hospice’s children and young people’s bereavement programme, which helped Connie and Darren after Zena died. Some of the funds raised by the family have directly supported this service. 

George Chilvers, St Nicholas Hospice Care’s community fundraising manager, who completed his own Zena10 Lockdown Challenge, a 10 mile run, said: “When Team Zena10 got in touch to let us know they had launched a challenge to support the hospice during this difficult time, I wasn’t surprised.

“Team Zena10 are constant hospice supporters and we are so grateful. I can’t thank them enough for their fundraising and for helping to raise awareness of the charity too.

“I’d urge everyone to give the challenge a go, by taking part not only are you helping to support the hospice, but you are also guaranteed to have some fun along the way too.”

You can find out more and support the Zena10 Lockdown Challenge here:  https://stnicholashospicecare.echoleft.com/fundraising/zena-10-lockdown-challenge-2020