We’ll start by saying that this isn’t your usual TuffStuff blog about ‘top tees’ or ‘the best trousers’, but stick with us - it’s still worth the read.
Back in August, TuffStuff were proud to be Headline Sponsor of the St Edmundsbury Cathedral Abseil in Bury St Edmunds, raising funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The event was a sell-out (48 brave souls, ropes and all), and together they pulled in over £18,000 for a cause that matters close to home.
For us, it’s not about showing off, it’s about showing up. Backing a local cause, putting our name behind something bigger than ourselves, and proving that “more than workwear” isn’t just a catchy hook — it’s how we do things. It’s about people and about doing our bit for a good cause.
Why We Support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices
Why do TuffStuff support EACH? Well, the answer is, it’s part of our community. Our team lives here, works here, we’re Norfolk and Suffolk locals and know the graft that goes into keeping communities ticking. With three hospices, one in Suffolk, one in Norfolk, and one in Cambridgeshire, EACH is such a worthwhile local cause that TuffStuff is proud to be involved with and support.
Thankfully, none of our team has needed the care of EACH first-hand, and we count ourselves very lucky for that. But that doesn’t stop us from stepping up, and when the chance came to headline sponsor the Cathedral Abseil this year, it was a no-brainer.
A good cause, good people, and a chance to put our name behind something that makes a real difference. We choose to support EACH because it matters to the people around us, not to pat ourselves on the back, but to show that there is more to TuffStuff than jackets and trousers.
The Big Drop — On the Day
The date: Saturday 16th August 2025. The sun was out and the spirit high as forty-eight brave souls clipped in, leaned back, and stepped off the 150ft tower of St Edmundsbury Cathedral- which, for reference, is an 80ft abseil, plenty high enough to get the legs wobbling even if you’ve spent your life up ladders and scaffolds!
There were cheers, claps and the odd nervous laugh as the Abbey Gardens below filled with family, friends, and supporters. What stood out most wasn’t the height; it was the team spirit, people of all ages and backgrounds cheering each other on in aid of a good cause. Even the trusty TuffStuff banner got its moment against the Historical backdrop!
As EACH fundraiser Ellie Nevard put it: “It was a huge success, and the atmosphere was so positive and wholesome. It really added to the community spirit and created a real buzz.”
Every participant aimed to raise at least £200, and together they brought in close to £19,000- not bad for facing down one of Suffolk’s tallest landmarks!
Not Our First Step: Ongoing Support for EACH
The Cathedral Abseil wasn’t a one-off for us. EACH has been part of the TuffStuff journey for a while now, and the Bury St Edmunds Abseil has joined a growing list of events we’ve been proud to support, including:
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Norwich Abseil (2024): Two of our own Tuff team, Kimberlee and Cheryl, strapped in and went over the edge in the 2024 Norwich Abseil, with TuffStuff backing the event as sponsor. (Proof we don’t just stick our logo on a banner; sometimes we stick our staff on a rope too!)
After braving the drop, Cheryl quoted: “The team spirit between strangers was amazing. Everyone encouraged each other to face their fears. I feel proud to have completed the challenge and supported the charity with funds after meeting so many who had personal connections to EACH”. – Showing the TuffStuff team are just as strong as our gear!
Our adrenaline-loving Design and Marketing Manager Kimberlee rocking it mid-abseil.
- Pier-to-Pier Walk (Suffolk): Sixteen miles, from Southwold Pier to Lowestoft Pier. Sounds like a nice day out on paper, but ask the team’s feet and they’ll tell you otherwise! Blisters, sore legs, and a few choice words along the way — but every mile meant more funds for EACH.
The TuffStuff Pier to Pier team (minus the blisters!)
- Christmas Sock Campaign: Socks don’t usually get the spotlight, but for us they became fundraising heroes, with every pair sold adding to the pot for EACH. Warm feet for our customers, extra support for local families — that’s a win-win. Who knew festive socks could do so much?
Our limited edition Christmas socks with a meaning!
Different events, the same goal: raising money and awareness for a cause that matters on our doorstep. We’ll keep showing up — whether it’s walking, abseiling, or finding other ways to put our name (and our feet) to good use.
From Site to Support
Here at TuffStuff, we’ll always be about good kit, the quality stuff, the gear that gets you through the day. But it’s not just about what you wear on site, that matters; it’s about the people, the communities, and backing causes that matter close to home, too.
Supporting EACH is our way of showing that “more than workwear” isn’t just a nice tagline. It’s who we are, whether it’s walking until our legs ache, dangling off cathedrals, or selling socks that do more than keep toes warm, we’re proud to play our part.
Our workwear is not only about trousers, tees, and jackets, but also the lives lived in them — on site, off site, and in the community. And if we can make a difference while we’re at it, that’s a job worth doing.
You can learn more about the great work EACH does over on their website. And if you’re thinking more of tiling a roof than abseiling off it, head over to our full workwear range to get yourself kitted up and ready for action!
So gear up, get on it, and give back.
