Since October 2025, we have been supporting our charity partner, Kids Inspire, to do more than raise funds. Addressing a critical gap in mental health services for children and young people, we want to help break the stigma and help them to continue the amazing work that they continuously do.
On Sunday 17th May, nine members of the Lolly team took on the challenge of running the Colchester Stampede 10k at Colchester Zoo. For most of us, this was stepping well outside of our comfort zones, but it was all in support of a cause we deeply believe in.
About Kids Inspire
Kids Inspire was founded in 2007 to provide free, trauma-informed support to children and families across Essex and Suffolk who would otherwise be unable to access specialist help. Though creative therapies such as art, play and trauma resolution, their work is tailored to meet the unique needs of each child.
Each year, over 4,500 children and their families benefit from this vital support. However, demand continues to grow, and many more are still waiting for help.
This is why partnerships like ours matter. By raising both funds and awareness, we are helping Kids Inspire reach more families and ensure that every child has the opportunity to heal, build trust and simply be a child again.
The Challenge We Set Ourselves
Nine members of the Lolly team signed up to run the Colchester Stampede- a 10k run around Colchester Zoo and the surrounding area. Most of us wouldn't describe ourselves as runners, but we wanted to push ourselves to raise money and break the stigma of mental health in children.
Our team consisted of: Peter Moore, Ben Norman, Glen Wisbey, Darcy Johnson, Eloise Churchman, Jane Pople, Vicky Irons, Sean Malone and Marty Smetonis.
Run Day: Colchester Stampede
Beginning in the grounds of Colchester Zoo, the run offered a unique and memorable backdrop for the challenge. Thousands of runners of all abilities lined up in the zoo, coming together to support a wide range of causes. The weather was a perfect balance of sunny with some breeze, so spirits were high. Despite the difficult hilly terrain, especially towards the end, all of our runners went over that finish line feeling a sense of achievement, having run for such a great cause.
The Impact We Have Made Together
Thanks to everyone who donated, support from those around us and, of course, our runners, we hit our target and raised an incredible £1860 for Kids Inspire. These funds will go directly towards helping the charity continue its vital work, providing therapy and support to children and families who need it most.
Beyond fundraising, the challenge has also helped us raise awareness of the growing need for mental health services for young people across Essex and Suffolk.
What Comes Next
Our partnership with Kids Inspire does not end at the finish line. We are committed to continuing our support and finding new ways to raise both awareness and funds.
Rachael Bassett, Fundraising Manager at Kids Inspire, said that, “Support from Lolly as one of our charity partners is vital. The need for our services is growing faster than ever, and there are more children waiting for help than we can currently reach. With Lolly's financial support we can help provide more therapy sessions, expand our programmes, and ensure that every child has the chance to heal, trust, and finally, be a child again."
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