WATCH: New charity aims to put the fun into fundraising

PULLING on wellies, getting outside in nature and jumping in puddles is a joyous thing to do, and is now part of a huge fundraising campaign for Cancer Research UK.

The Lt-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, is a supporter of Jumping In Puddles for Cancer and at the recent launch at Government House, he was presented with a pair of wellies by charity founder, Susie Campanella. (Pictures by Sophie Rabey, 29117379)

Fundraiser Susie Campanella gave her close friend ITV Channel Islands reporter Gary Burgess a pair of wellies for his birthday, along with a quote which said: ‘When life gives you rain, go jumping in puddles’.

His reaction to the gift kept Miss Campanella up that night and she decided to channel that idea into a new charity which would raise money for cancer research.

Mr Burgess has a large social media following and has been open about his recent terminal diagnosis of cancer.

The gift of a pair of wellies to Gary Burgess, Susie Campanella’s ITV Channel Islands reporter friend, led to her coming up with the idea. He joined the launch from Jersey where he lives and works. (29117395)

‘I may not have long left in this world, but I still have time to don my wellies, get jumping in puddles, and do my own little bit to support Cancer Research UK. I just hope as many people as possible do likewise,’ he said.

The idea is that as many people as possible get out and about and jump in puddles, taking pictures, uploading them to www.jumpinapuddle.co.uk, using the hashtag #JumpInForCancer and donating £1 to cancer research through the Jumping in Puddles website.

At the launch of the charity at Government House on Friday, Miss Campanella spoke of her ambitious target to raise £1m. for the charity.

‘Unfortunately, at some point in our lives we will all know someone who is affected by cancer,’ she said.

‘I want as many people as possible to take part in and share this idea so that together we can help get closer to finding a cure for cancer.’

Jumping In Puddles for Cancer organiser Susie Campanella. (29117385)

The Lt-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, praised the initiative and said it was a fun way to make a real difference.

‘It’s been a difficult year and the pandemic has been front and foremost in our minds for some time now, but that does not stop other problems going away,’ he said.

‘This is an opportunity to switch targets to something that needs our help and support.’

Big names such as broadcaster, writer and adventurer Ben Fogle, and impressionist and comedian Jon Culshaw have got behind the initiative.

Local businesses are giving it a go, rugby’s Guernsey Raiders are taking part, and the chief minister, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, even made a splash.