As part of our lead up to finding and celebrating a new Daring Dad for 2009, the Harvey Centre set 2008’s winning father a set of charity challenges, to take place every day within the Centre during half term.
Eric Rogers gamely agreed to attempt every challenge and nominated two local charities, Accuro and PACT Harlow as beneficiaries of any money he raised. All costs for the event were of course borne by the shopping centre.
Over the five days Eric attempted and succeeded in: Walking barefoot over broken glass; Eating a variety of grim and grisly bugs; Breaking breeze blocks with his elbow; Meeting and getting rather intimate, with a number of creepy crawlies and finally, learning to Unicycle and assisting in a fire-eating and knife juggling show!
Every day the public flocked to the centre to watch, encourage and cheer on Eric in his endeavours – despite a record of derring-do Eric admitted that both the glass-walking and bug eating were feats he had some previous reservations about and was even unsure he would be able to achieve!
However, as the Centre, media, shops and customers alike saw, Eric conquered any fears he may have had and as well as earning admiration from all who saw him, raised nearly £900 for the two charities in sponsorship, online donations via justgiving.com and in collections on the day.
Great support was provided in the media with press attendance every day, radio interviews and via online reporting on the Centre’s website and via streaming on free web video hosting services. Indeed Centre management were delighted with the public’s response to the event and everyone involved is looking forward to next year’s challenges.
Congratulations Eric and we wish you and your family well!
