So let's start with Ukraine. As the day approached its end I watched the 10 pm news and words escape me for once. I still cannot believe that Russia has so openly attacked another country and defended their actions with the most amazing amount of nonsense I think I've ever heard.
If there is something positive from this (and it's hard to find something positive) it will come in the world uniting against Russia. The love extended to Ukraine and its people has been mesmerising. At Carrow Road before the match between Norwich and Brentford, Ukraine flags were waved, Ukraine colours were held up and there was a minute's appreciation for the people's fight.
In Hethersett we are doing our bit. I started the day by popping down to Tesco Express in the village to meet Sarah Lawrence, who works there, and Linda Jones. Linda used to work at Hethersett Old Hall School but now works for a Norwich company. Both she and her company wanted to do something to help Ukraine. So Linda and Sarah got together to launch an appeal in Hethersett for goods to send to Ukraine.
They launched the appeal on the excellent All Things Hethersett Facebook page and within a short period of time goods began to roll in and soon three cages full of support were in the back room. They are collecting until Monday when the goods will be taken through Poland and onto Ukraine.
In the evening, I joined over 20 people for the first two hours of a 24-hour walking marathon organised by resident Kim Rout. My mind boggles at the thought of walking for 24 hours. No sleep. little rest, just step after step after step after step. Over £1,000 has already been raised and it looks as if this will continue to grow. The walk called in at the Social Club and the King's Head where everyone was very generous. It's times like this that bring out the best in people.
It is my intention to re-join the walk sometime today and certainly be there to lend my support at the end. That's after I have been to the latest village screen film.
There's also a rather quirky story at one of the village's charity shops. They have replicas of the Premier Division Football Trophy and the UEFA Cup and for a small donation you can take pictures with them. The money will go to the family of a young man who died from diabetes. Another heart-warming story amongst so many in our wonderful village at the moment.
By the time this is published the walkers will have completed 10 hours and will be close to the halfway stage. I wonder how they will be feeling? I will find out and let you know tomorrow. Hope you enjoy my photos of the walkers, the collection at Tesco and the replica cups.