Our March Community Hero, in partnership with Fosters Solicitors, is Julia Robathan, who is representing our newly appointed matchday charity partner, Nelson’s Journey.
Since 1997, Nelson’s Journey has helped to support thousands of children and young people in Norfolk after the death of a significant person. They provide a range of services, backed largely through the fundraising support of the local community.
Julia was a service user in the early years of the charity following the death of her dad to cancer, when she was ten years old. At the age of 18, Julia trained as a volunteer, supporting bereaved children and young people through therapeutic activities. In 2006, she became a member of the Nelson’s Journey Board of Trustees, representing the views and experiences of a previous service user on the charity’s governing body.
“I have grown up with the charity and feel privileged to now play a small part in its continued existence. Nelson’s Journey taught me that whilst losing my dad was traumatic, it is also part of my story and identity. My dad loved football, and those are the strongest memories I have of him. Nelson’s Journey showed me how to use this as ammunition, to motivate me and encourage me to make the most of my opportunities despite the challenges.
“Parallel to this, I grew up playing football in NCFC girls football programme, and used sport as my outlet and one constant, when everything else was changing. I’m now privileged to work in sport and football specifically. I would not be the same person without the assurance, confidence, and care that Nelson’s Journey showed me all those years ago, and without the power of football.”
The charity’s Chief Executive, Simon Wright, said: “Having benefited from Nelson’s Journey’s services, Julia is today one of our greatest champions. She brings her experience and passion to helping children and young people at a time of great need and is helping the charity to develop and thrive so we can support thousands more in the years ahead.”
Julia is not here for the match but has donated her seats to some users of Nelson’s Journey services.