Embracing Courage in the Face of Loss: Emma Robinson’s Journey

Emma Robinson, a 47-year-old mother from Gorleston, is preparing for a breathtaking challenge that holds deep personal meaning. She’ll soon be descending 45 feet from the top of The Forum, one of Norwich’s most iconic buildings, in a daring abseil to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). But this isn’t just any fundraiser for Emma—it’s a profound tribute to her son Alfie, who received end-of-life care from EACH before passing away in June 2017 at just six years old. After enjoying a normal, healthy early childhood, Alfie was diagnosed with a brain tumor, changing the family’s world forever. Through her upcoming abseil on Sunday, April 19th, Emma isn’t just confronting her fear of heights; she’s channeling the adventurous spirit of her beloved son who, as she describes him, was “an amazing little boy—an adventurous, fun-loving daredevil who enjoyed being in the thick of things.”

The support EACH provided to Emma, Alfie’s father, and his sister Lucy proved invaluable as they navigated what Emma calls “the worst thing anyone can go through.” Before The Nook opened in November 2019, Alfie received care at EACH’s former Norfolk base at Quidenham. The organization didn’t just care for Alfie during his illness but continued supporting the entire family through their grief journey after his passing. This comprehensive care has inspired Emma to give back, ensuring other families facing similar heartbreaking circumstances can access the same vital support. While the upcoming abseil has Emma admittedly nervous—especially about climbing over the initial ledge—she draws strength from knowing Alfie would have enthusiastically approved of her adventure. “Because he can’t do it, I feel it’s my duty to experience it on his behalf,” she explains, her words revealing both her enduring connection to her son and her determination to honor his memory.

Alfie’s vibrant personality continues to shine through his mother’s descriptions, painting a picture of a child who embraced life with unmatched enthusiasm. “He was cheeky but never naughty, and nothing scared or fazed him,” Emma reminisces. Despite his young age, Alfie had already developed a rich personality and diverse interests—he loved football, dancing, riding his bike, and playfully teasing his sister. He had many friends and was known for being “full of life and such a character.” It’s this spirited essence that Emma hopes to embody as she stands at the top of The Forum, preparing to descend. Though heights make her shudder, she plans to push through her fear by focusing on Alfie’s fearless nature. “I’m going to push myself and think I’ll enjoy it,” she says, adding optimistically, “Hopefully it’ll be exhilarating and when I get to the bottom, I suspect I’ll want to do it again!”

The upcoming abseil isn’t Emma’s first fundraising endeavor—she previously completed a skydive and climbed Snowdon to raise funds for causes close to her heart. This pattern of challenging herself physically while supporting meaningful charities reflects her approach to grief: transforming pain into purpose. For this latest adventure, Emma won’t be alone; she’ll be joining friends Sally and Kelly as part of “The Ladybirds” team. Having companions for this emotional journey adds another layer of support as Emma faces not just a physical challenge but an emotional one as well. Family members will be cheering her on from below, with the promise of a celebratory glass of champagne waiting when she reaches the ground safely. These personal touches—the team name, the support network, the planned celebration—illustrate how Emma has woven meaning and community into her fundraising efforts.

The EACH Abseil event itself is designed to accommodate participants of various ages and experience levels. While the minimum age requirement is 14 (with those under 18 needing adult spectator accompaniment), the event welcomes participants throughout the day from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Each participant commits to raising at least £150, with registration costing £25—or £30 for those who want to include a souvenir t-shirt. These funds directly support EACH’s continued work providing care and support to children with life-threatening conditions and their families across East Anglia. Beyond the practical details, the abseil represents something more profound: a community coming together to support vulnerable families during their most challenging moments, just as Emma’s family was supported during theirs. Through events like this, EACH can continue to expand its services, potentially helping even more families than it could when Alfie was receiving care.

Emma’s story transcends the typical fundraising narrative by highlighting the deeply personal motivation behind her commitment. While abseiling down a building may seem like a straightforward physical challenge, for Emma it represents a complex emotional journey—facing her fears, honoring her son, expressing gratitude, and helping others simultaneously. Her approach to grief demonstrates remarkable resilience, as she has found ways to keep Alfie’s spirit alive through actions that would have made him proud. “I’ll be channeling his energy and enthusiasm,” she says, a powerful statement about the enduring bond between mother and son that transcends physical separation. As Emma prepares for her descent down The Forum, she carries not just the memory of Alfie but his very essence—his courage, his playfulness, his love of adventure. In this way, a mother and son continue their journey together, despite the boundaries between earth and heaven, demonstrating that love truly has no limits—not even gravity itself.