In a world where news often focuses on hardship and division, stories of hope and humanity shine like beacons, reminding us of the incredible power of community and compassion. Ian Odgers, a 56-year-old father, grandfather, and humanitarian from Dereham, has been changing lives through his tireless work, boundless energy, and unshakeable belief in the power of kindness.
Ian’s story is one of resilience, inspiration, and a Facebook post that changed everything. Through the Dereham Aid Centre, Ian and his team have touched countless lives, from local families in need to communities thousands of miles away affected by war, natural disasters, and poverty. In this heartfelt feature, we explore Ian’s journey and mission, celebrating the impact of his incredible work.
Ian Odgers and his team at the Dereham Aid Centre
From Marathons to Making a Difference
Ian is no stranger to giving back. Having lived in Dereham for nearly 50 years, he has raised thousands of pounds by running over 200 marathons, including an astonishing 100 marathons in 100 weeks. He’s also tackled skydiving and firewalking, all to support those in need. Yet, despite these incredible achievements, Ian’s latest endeavour, the Dereham Aid Centre, feels deeply personal.
“The centre is much more than just handing over a cheque,” Ian shares. “It’s an emotional roller coaster with extreme highs and lows. I never dreamt how much my life would change due to a Facebook post.”
That single post, which began as a call for “Coats for Ukraine,” became the catalyst for a community-driven mission to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine and its bordering countries.
From Dereham to the World: Lessons in Humanity
Ian’s passion for humanitarian work is rooted in his love of travel, having visited 71 countries. These experiences, he says, have been his greatest education.
“Travel makes you humble,” Ian explains. “Everywhere I go, I always say, ‘This is their Dereham.’ It’s their everyday life, not something put on for our entertainment. It opens your eyes to what life is about.”
From the Killing Fields in Cambodia to the war bunkers in Albania, Ian has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of conflict and greed. Yet, amidst the heartbreak, he has also seen joy in the simplest of things.
A poignant memory comes from a festival in Tirana, Albania. “I vividly remember seeing three or four generations of families celebrating nothing more than their freedom,” Ian recalls. “I thought, if I could bottle this feeling, it would be priceless. Too many people want too much and appreciate too little.”
The Dereham Aid Centre: A Community Effort
What began as a temporary “pop-up shop” to support Ukrainian families has blossomed into something far greater. The Dereham Aid Centre has grown to provide aid to not just Ukraine but also Poland, Moldova, Bulgaria, and areas affected by disasters such as the Turkey-Syria earthquake. The Centre has even been featured on Ukrainian national TV and BBC Breakfast, a testament to its impact.
“The mission is simple: to make a difference,” Ian says humbly.
Proudest Moments and Life-Changing Experiences
Reflecting on his journey, Ian’s proudest moments are deeply personal. One stands out: when Lady Dannatt MBE thanked Ian’s mother for raising him. “My mum’s face lit up with pride. I loved that,” Ian shares.
There have been countless magical moments, from taking over 160 volunteers and service users on a Polar Express train ride to receiving heartfelt messages of gratitude.
“To single any out would be too difficult,” Ian says. “Each is special for different reasons, and many are deeply personal.”
An Invitation to Get Involved
Ian believes that everyone has the power to make a difference. His message is simple: “If you believe you can make a difference, why wouldn’t you try? A smile is precious.”
To those considering getting involved, Ian issues a challenge: “Visit the centre and see for yourself. I challenge anyone to leave the same person they were when they walked in. It’s humbling.”
For those inspired to support the Dereham Aid Centre, Ian says the best way is to get in touch directly. The Centre is always in need of volunteers to help its ever-evolving mission.
Final Thoughts
Ian Odgers is proof that one person’s determination and compassion can ripple out to create profound change. The Dereham Aid Centre is more than a charity; it’s a testament to the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together.
If Ian’s story has inspired you, take a moment to consider how you can contribute. Whether it’s donating your time, resources, or simply spreading the word, every action counts.
As Ian says, “If you can make one person smile, then do it. A smile is precious.”
Full Interview with Ian Odgers
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m Ian Odgers, 56 years old, married to Ria for over 20 years. I’m a father and grandad too. I’ve lived in Dereham for nearly 50 years. I’ve personally raised thousands of pounds by running over 200 marathons, including doing 100 in 100 weeks, as well as a skydive and firewalk. Supporting others has always been a key part of my adult life, although most of what I’ve mentioned above was about handing over a cheque or transferring money. The centre is much more personal—it’s an emotional rollercoaster with extreme highs and lows. I never dreamt how much my life would change due to a Facebook post.
What inspired your interest in humanitarian work?
I’m lucky enough to have travelled to 71 countries. I find travel to be the best education in the world—it makes you humble. The world is so big, yet so small at the same time. Everywhere I go, I always say, “This is their Dereham,” meaning this is their everyday life. It’s not put here for our entertainment; this is how they live day to day. It opens your eyes—that’s what life is about.
I’ve visited The Killing Fields and S1, the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam, Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia, and Serbia, and I’ve seen how people’s lives are torn apart by religion and greed. I always say, “If you believe you can make a difference, why wouldn’t you try?” If you can make one person smile, then do it. A smile is precious.
You co-founded Dereham Aid Centre. Please tell us why you decided to set it up, and what the charity’s mission is.
The Aid Centre was set up on the back of sending humanitarian aid to border countries and into Ukraine itself. The centre was initially intended to be a temporary “pop-up shop” to support both hosts and the Ukrainian families coming to the area.
It’s grown massively in the time it’s been open. We’ve been live on Ukrainian National TV and on BBC Breakfast three times, which is an incredible credit to the Dereham community—without them, none of what we do would be possible. The mission is simple: to make a difference.
Have you visited the countries you support (Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, and Bulgaria) and seen the differences you have made in people’s lives?
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve travelled, but not to the areas we’ve supported. We’ve also been involved in supporting Turkey and Syria after the earthquakes and Poland’s flood-affected regions, as well as all the local work we do to support people in need.
Can you share a memorable story or moment from a visit to any of the countries?
A life-changing moment was when I visited Tirana in Albania. I had been looking around the old war bunkers, which are now museums, and it was heartbreaking. That evening, there was a festival in the centre of town, and I vividly remember seeing three or four generations of families celebrating and being happy for nothing more than their freedom.
I remember thinking to myself, If I could bottle this, I’d make a killing. Too many people in life want for too much and appreciate too little.
I’ve also sat on the Polar Express train with over 160 centre users and volunteers, and I commented to my parents that these people were there because I went on Facebook and asked for “Coats for Ukraine.” Things like that—just one of so many examples—blow my mind.
Can you share a few key milestones or proudest moments that stand out?
Wow, that’s a tough one. On a personal level, my proudest moment was seeing Lady Dannatt MBE thank my mum for having me. My mum’s face lit up with pride, and I loved that.
There are so many magical moments and personal messages from service users, volunteers, and other organisations that singling any out would be too difficult. Each one is special for different reasons, and many are very personal to me.
I will say that I’m incredibly proud of the community that supports us and, of course, all the volunteers.
What message would you send to others to encourage them to get involved?
I’ve always said I challenge anyone to visit the centre and leave the same person they were when they came in. It’s humbling.
What are the best ways people can contribute to or support the Dereham Aid Centre’s work?
By contacting me, as it’s an ever-moving goalpost. We are always in need of volunteers.
Join the Mission
To learn more about the Dereham Aid Centre or get involved, contact Ian directly and become part of a movement that’s transforming lives. Check out their socials here: Facebook Group | Facebook Page
