A champion fundraiser who has already donated more than £100,000 to an independent lifeboat service is set to raise the most she has ever in a single year for the cause.

Over the past six years, Sue Weaver, 61, has raised more than £100,000 for Hemsby Independent Lifeboat.

This year, she is on track to raise a record-breaking donation which currently stands at £27,000.

Operating from seven sheds in her back garden on Newport Road, Ms Weaver takes unwanted household items from neighbours and holidaymakers and spruces them up before passing them on at discounted prices to people in need.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Sue Weaver by two of her sheds brimming with discounted items. Picture - James WeedsSue Weaver by two of her sheds brimming with discounted items. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Once Ms Weaver accrues £1,000, she passes it directly onto the lifeboat.

But her endeavour is more than just about the money, she said.

"It's about providing a service for people in need," said Ms Weaver. 

"We've had customers who have fallen on hard times and have struggled to afford the household essentials. It's a vital service for many people."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Sue Weaver sent Hemsby Independent Lifeboat its 27th £1,000 donation for 2023 at the end of last week. Picture - James WeedsSue Weaver sent Hemsby Independent Lifeboat its 27th £1,000 donation for 2023 at the end of last week. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Experiencing poverty at a young age herself, Ms Weaver said the shop provides a much-needed lifeline to many people.

"It's a community hub," she said.

"People might come looking for some home furnishings, and we'll get to chatting and it turns out they might need some essential repairs done at home.

"People from all walks of life shop here and I'll pass on details of someone who can help with the repairs. Stuff like that."

Ms Weaver said she loves that her shop has shown that community spirit is alive and well in Hemsby.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: FLASHBACK: Hemsby Independent Lifeboat coxswain Daniel Hurd with Sue Weaver in front of the Atlantic 75 vessel named in her honour in 2021. Picture - James WeedsFLASHBACK: Hemsby Independent Lifeboat coxswain Daniel Hurd with Sue Weaver in front of the Atlantic 75 vessel named in her honour in 2021. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)"It's a great place," she said. "And there are so many people who are willing to help others. And what better cause to raise money for than Hemsby Independent Lifeboat, who do countless things for the village and surrounding areas."

Ms Weaver said another benefit of the shop is that it saves perfectly usable items from being taken to landfill.

"It's better for everyone and the environment that this stuff is reused," she said.

Ms Weaver's fundraising efforts were acknowledged by Hemsby Independent Lifeboat, who in 2021 named their Atlantic 75 vessel the Sea Weaver in her honour.