Story added: 26th April 2022
Fundraisers made an epic 1800-mile road trip from Norwich to Scotland and back last week, helping to raise over £60,000 for the club’s Community Sports Foundation.
Organised by local business Credo Asset Finance, the Canaryball Rally challenged teams to drive the famous NC500 route – a 500-mile coastal loop around the far north of Scotland.
The original Canaryball Rally in 2019 followed the route of Norwich City FC’s famous UEFA Cup run by way of Arnhem, Munich and Milan, raising £70,000 for the Foundation’s #BuildTheNest campaign.
It was only fitting then that this year’s rally started from beneath the shadow of the new hub building at The Nest, the Foundation’s community facility in Norwich.
Nick Chopping, a member of the Foundation’s Down’s Syndrome football team, waved the starting flag as the teams set off on their first leg up to Perth in Scotland.
The 24 cars, all emblazoned with Canaryball rally graphics and the logos of their sponsors, included a Lotus Elite 1975, McLaren 720S and even a vintage Morgan Roadster.
Along the five-day trip, the teams were treated to stunning beaches with crystal clear seas, hidden lochs with snow-capped mountainous backdrops and dramatic vistas around every turn.
Stops along the way included Loch Ness, John O’Groats and the picturesque Applecross peninsula, with hotel stops giving the chance for teams to meet up for drinks and meals with their fellow participants.
On the final evening of the challenge, with the NC500 loop completed, the teams reconvened one last time for a celebration dinner at a hotel in the heart of Perthshire. There, Emma Fletcher-Dungay, the Foundation’s Senior Fundraising & Events Manager, announced to the teams the news that the rally had far surpassed the original fundraising target.
Back in Norfolk and reflecting on the rally, she said:
“It was an incredible few days. The route was absolutely stunning and we were so lucky to be treated to blue skies and sunshine every day.”
Emma continued: “The teams were all amazing, and it was great to spend time with such a lovely bunch. To hit £60,000 raised is phenomenal and is a testament to so much hard work – they all hit really ambitious individual fundraising targets. We can’t wait to stay in touch with them all, and to show them in-person how the money they’ve raised will help changes lives in Norfolk.”
She paid special tribute to the team at Credo Asset Finance. “Months of planning and countless hours of hard work went in to ensure it would be a success, and it really showed. It was a pleasure to work alongside them, and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2024!”
Among the various teams were some partner organisations of the Foundation and The Nest, including Ovamill, Massimo Sky, Norfolk Hire and Avant UK.
Raimo Ala-Korpi, managing director at Avant UK, said: “We had great fun and have created some memories that will last forever. I can’t express enough our gratitude to the Canaryball Rally team for their hard work before and during the event.”
Ian Tims, Managing Director at Credo Asset Finance, said: “The rally has been incredible! We would like to thank the many local companies that sponsored and supported the rally.
“Simon Gray, the founder of Credo, who we tragically lost to cancer in 2020 would be very proud of the money raised. It was fitting one of the teams competing was Simon’s wife Tracy and son Will in a team called ‘Simon’s Sidekicks’.
“We are already thinking of venues for the next rally in 2024.”
Fran Brown, Marketing Manager at Credo, said “After the success of the first rally through Europe, we wondered if we could top that, but the route and scenery was just breathtaking. It’s a long way from Norwich but the camaraderie between the 24 teams, all coming together to raise money for this brilliant cause made all the planning worthwhile.”
Money raised from the event will help the Foundation to sustain and increase their charitable work to drive inclusion for people with disabilities, boost mental health and wellbeing, and inspire disadvantaged people.
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24th April 2025
On Friday 18th April, a team of ten epic fundraisers arrived at Carrow Road, fresh from completing a mammoth 150 miles of walking in just 60 hours.
14th April 2025
Grant Holt leads a group of walkers on an epic 150-Mile Challenge, this Wednesday 16th April. Show your support today.
10th April 2025
Canaryball Rally, proudly sponsored by DMD Installations and Ovamill, is back for its third year—and it's gearing up to be our best yet.
When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
Ready for an adventure? Join us this July for the Three Peaks Challenge and help support the incredible work of the Community Sports Foundation. This is your chance to conquer the UK’s most iconic mountains, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon – all in one unforgettable weekend.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
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