The Ebi Foundation, set up in memory of brave King’s Lynn Eboni Bunn, hosting charity ball in April
Two years ago, young Lynn resident Eboni Bunn passed away after a long battle with Friedreich's ataxia, a genetic condition which affects the body’s nerves.
She was aged just 19, but despite her struggles, she always “lived life to the fullest”.
Now, inspired by her final wish, Eboni’s two brothers – Luke and Ryan – are spearheading the efforts of a charity set up in her memory.
They formed The Ebi Foundation in 2022, and have organised several successful fundraisers since then. This year, they have even more planned.
Eboni aimed to “cherish every moment, focus on the positives, and make lasting memories to brighten the darker times”. Luke and Ryan are looking to do just that with their charity work.
They have provided one woman with an electric wheelchair, and set up a power generator in the home of a brave young girl who is dependent on an oxygen supply.
The foundation also helped to transform the home of an eight-month-year-old baby into a winter wonderland during his final months battling illness.
Last year, fundraisers included a golf day in Barnham Broom, with Eboni’s dad Darren – who lives in the USA – bringing over an American team to take on locals, raising some valuable money in the process.
Speaking to the Lynn News, Eboni’s mother, Lisa Birch, said the aim of The Ebi Foundation is to help children and young adults battling long term illnesses.
“The goal of our charity is to provide equipment, funding, holidays, or anything,” she said.
“We are hoping to raise a good amount of awareness and support, so that we can help more families.”
The non-for-profit foundation is holding a fundraising ball on April 20 at Lynn’s town hall, with some special guests in mind.
Lisa is looking for anybody in the area, whether it be individuals or businesses, to come forward and offer help with catering, music, and raffles prizes.
In a rallying call, she wrote: “We would be deeply grateful and so will all the families that your donation will help us support and make their memories last.
“We are such a new charity that we are looking to put as much back in the pot as possible, to help families with breaking hearts.”
Eboni was just 19 when she died on February 1, 2022 at home, surrounded by family after weeks of struggle.
She had several disabilities, which limited her movement and affected her health.
Her family raised money for Eboni to have an electric chair, which gave her the independence she craved growing up.
Even while her condition deteriorated, her ambition grew. She was able to take trips to the Niagra Falls in Canada and The White House in Washington before she passed away.
After her death, Lisa told us: “Her death would be in vain if we don’t live our lives to the fullest, as she did.”
With the help The Ebi Foundation has provided so far and with some big fundraisers planned, her family are doing just that.
Anybody who is willing to help Lisa, Luke, Ryan and the Ebi Foundation can contact Lisa by phoning 07792 288295 or emailing lisabirch1302@gmail.com
