A bereaved mum is swapping bubbly for bubbles and planning a poignant hen party with a difference.
Instead of hitting the town, Deborah Goddard, who lives in Lowestoft, is rallying friends and family to take part in East Anglia Children's Hospice's (EACH) Norwich Bubble Rush.
She wants to raise funds for the charity as it supported her following the death of her baby daughter in April 2022.
Jovie was born with a chromosome 7 deletion which meant her brain did not develop fully during pregnancy.
After battling for a year and 11 days, she died in April last year year at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital.
Afterwards, Ms Goddard and her family spent time making memories at The Nook, the largest and newest of EACH's three hospices.
Now she wants to give something back and is looking forward to a day of a foam-filled fundraising on July 16.
The event will take place at the Norfolk Showground in Costessey from 10am until 3pm.
“There are 18 of us in the team and we’re all looking forward to it,” said Ms Goddard, who is marrying Jovie’s dad, fiancé Chris, on August 19.
“Jovie did amazingly and we feel blessed to have had a year together, because she wasn’t expected to live that long.
“EACH was there in the background when she was alive, in terms of helping with symptom management.
“Then, after she passed, we had the chance to spend some days at the hospice.
“It was still a shock, despite being expected, and gave us an opportunity to process everything that was going on.
“We felt looked after. My other daughter, Tallulla, was supported and got the attention she deserved and we had the chance to bathe and dress Jovie.
READ MORE: Young girl's thank you to hospital treating her mum and unborn sister
“We made hand and footprint casts, creating precious memories that I’ll forever hold close to my heart.
“It wouldn’t have been possible otherwise, so I’ll always be grateful.”
Ms Goddard and Tallulla, now 14, continue to receive bereavement support at The Nook.
They also attend events at the hospice with Jovie’s dad and their other children.
“It’s lovely having a place where Jovie will always be remembered,” Ms Goddard said.
“It makes me feel that I’m not alone in my grief.”
A record number of participants – more than 2,000 - have signed up for this year’s Bubble Rush.
READ MORE: Mum trying to find lost 'heart' of daughter who died days after birthday
Last year's event raised £43,500 but this summer’s version has a new home as it is taking place at the Norwich Showground.
Ms Goddard said that her matron of honour knew she didn’t want a traditional hen party.
“I didn’t want to go out – that’s just not me – but this seemed like a fun, meaningful way to say thank you and show support.
“As soon as I saw the advert, I knew it was what I wanted to do.
“EACH has become a massive part of our lives and we’re happy to do whatever we can to help.
“It feels like my daughter will be part of the celebrations and that’s very important to me. It’s like we’ll be together on the day," she added.
The Bubble Rush will include food stalls and face glitter painting.
The course once again features four bubble stations along a 2.5km route.
Participants can do one lap or double their enjoyment by completing the circuit twice.
Each bubble station has a cannon which pumps out coloured foam to create a four-foot deep bubble bath.
The course is family-friendly, so people can run, walk, jog, dance or toddle through the foam, with pushchairs and wheelchairs permitted.
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