A Suffolk children's charity that has raised more than £2 million has announced it will be closing at the end of its financial year.

Executives at Bury St Edmunds-based GeeWizz have decided to wind down the organisation to focus on "family, other charity campaigning and projects [they are] passionate about."

East Anglian Daily Times: Gina Long MBE, trustee and founder of GeeWizz at Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy in Ipswich, which the charity has supported in building a new playground. Credit: NewsquestGina Long MBE, trustee and founder of GeeWizz at Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy in Ipswich, which the charity has supported in building a new playground. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

However, despite its closure, GeeWizz Charitable Foundation will continue to fund projects it has committed to support in 2023-24.

"Since launching in October 2015, I and the team have been immensely proud of all that GeeWizz has achieved," said Gina Long MBE, founder of the organisation.

"[This is a result of the] incredible hard work and dedication of our chairman, trustees, ambassadors, our small in-house team, wonderful volunteers, and, above all, our incredibly generous supporters, donors and sponsors.

"Thanks to all of them, GeeWizz has raised over £2,000,000 and delivered numerous life-enhancing projects for children and young people, across Suffolk."

GeeWizz CEO Aileen Belsberg highlighted family priorities as her motivation for bringing the charity to an end, while Gina pointed to her "long-wished intention to semi-retire to provide time and flexibility for her own family, other charity campaigning and projects that she feels so passionate about."

East Anglian Daily Times: Aileen Belsberg, CEO of GeeWizz. Credit: Phil MorleyAileen Belsberg, CEO of GeeWizz. Credit: Phil Morley (Image: Phil Morley)

Since opening in December 2015, the organisation's leading projects have included funding Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy’s £506,000 playground redevelopment; giving £120,000 to Zest for their outreach programme and a specialist nurse; funding the SENsory Youth Theatre over three years at the Theatre Royal, and purchasing hearing aids, battery chargers and funded school sound systems to link with hearing aids.

"It is a natural moment for GeeWizz to close on a happy and proud note, having created and delivered highly successful fundraising initiatives and having given life-enhancing support to children, young people and families across Suffolk," added Gina Long.

"It has been a great honour, one which I shall reflect upon with much gratitude and affection, as I enter a new chapter in my life."