Finnbar's Force
Finnbar's Force was founded in the wake of the heartbreaking journey of Finnbar, a young boy diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in early 2016, just months after his 5th birthday. What began as complaints of dizziness quickly escalated into a series of concerning symptoms, prompting medical visits that eventually led to a diagnosis of a Grade 2 Astrocytoma, a rare and aggressive tumour. Finnbar's brave fight through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy captured the hearts of many, but despite his resilience, his condition worsened, and he passed away in August 2016, just five months after his diagnosis.
In memory of Finnbar, his family established Finnbar’s Force with a vision to bring positive change for other families facing similar devastating circumstances. The charity is committed to raising awareness about childhood brain tumours and funding critical research. Since its inception, Finnbar's Force has supported research initiatives and been a strong advocate for the improvement of treatments and care for brain tumour patients, especially children.
Through their involvement with Brain Tumour Research, Finnbar’s Force has championed efforts to advance research and care for those battling brain tumours. Since 2017, the charity has donated nearly £60,000 to childhood brain tumour research. Notably, they supported a pioneering project at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where a team led by Professor Andrew Peet developed a non-invasive MRI technique to assess the aggressiveness of brain tumours.
More recently, they have backed research at Queen Mary University of London, a Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, to explore new treatments for childhood brain tumours. Through these efforts, Finnbar’s Force is determined to create lasting change in Finnbar's memory, ultimately working toward ending the tragedy of childhood brain tumours.
Click here to visit their site.
Norfolk & Waveney Mind
Norfolk and Waveney Mind is a dedicated mental health charity serving the local community. As part of the wider Mind network, they offer vital support through a diverse range of services, including one-to-one talking therapies, employment support, mental health training for businesses and schools, and innovative projects such as therapeutic gardening. Their work also extends to residential care and tailored programmes designed to help individuals manage their mental well-being.
Committed to raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, Norfolk and Waveney Mind supports young people (14-25), adults, and carers facing mental health challenges. Although independently operated, they benefit from being part of the national Mind network, gaining access to shared expertise, resources, and advocacy initiatives that drive improvements in mental health services.
Sowerbys supported Norfolk and Waveney Mind last year and saw first-hand the invaluable impact of their work. As an organisation that relies on fundraising and community engagement, the charity plays a crucial role in ensuring people across Norfolk and Waveney receive the support they need.
By working alongside national Mind initiatives and collaborating with other local branches, Norfolk and Waveney Mind continues to provide high-quality, accessible mental health support tailored to the needs of the region.
Click here to visit their site.
This year’s Charity Quiz is officially sold out! But you can still get involved by taking part in our charity raffle - tickets are just £5 a strip, with all proceeds going toward our 2025 fundraising efforts.
To purchase your raffle tickets, simply donate £5 via our GoFundMe page, making sure to include your full name in the donation. Then email [email protected] with your name and contact details to confirm your raffle entry.
This event is proudly sponsored by Broadland Consultants - independent mortgage and protection specialists providing expert, trusted advice across Norfolk and beyond. Their support helps make events like this possible, and we’re incredibly grateful for their contribution.
