Laura Bagshaw A HOLISTIC approach to care which makes the end of life worth living - that is the message dozens of business people will hear today as organisers of the Palliative Care East appeal reach out to the local business community for support.

Laura Bagshaw

A HOLISTIC approach to care which makes the end of life worth living - that is the message dozens of business people will hear today as organisers of the Palliative Care East appeal reach out to the local business community for support.

Appeal organisers will hold an event at Potters Leisure Resort in Hopton aimed at the local business community.

Jenny Westgate, appeal co-ordinator, explained it will show businesses how important palliative care is to the community, how it will benefit the local population, and how they can become involved with the campaign.

She said: “There are lots of businesses locally that are making an important contribution to the welfare of the communities in Yarmouth and Waveney. Already we have many caring and committed local businesses that are helping to contribute by fundraising or sending in donations. Some businesses have helped also by offering a service which helps us with our fundraising but we would like to extend this support as far as possible.”

So far more than £415,000 has been raised for the £1.5m appeal which will see a centre built in the grounds of the James Paget University Hospital. Last week, the Mercury revealed broadcaster and TV personality Gloria Hunniford had become a patron of the appeal.

Organisers say the centre will offer first class clinical care which will go hand in hand with financial advice, emotional and spiritual support as well as complementary

therapies for patients and their family and carers.

Meanwhile, donations continue to pour in to the appeal. Hospital chairman John Hemming is pictured with Arnold and Beth Mutimer, John Studley, consultant surgeon, and Dr Patrick Blossfeldt, lead palliative care specialist.

The couple handed over a cheque for £500 to Mr Studley after Mr Mutimer underwent a series of operations. The donation was in thanks for the care he had received.

Forthcoming events for the appeal include the Somerleyton Charity Fun Walk, organised by Yarmouth Rotary Club, on May 18.

GooseGreen Wholesale Nurseries at Beccles will hold fundraising days tomorrow and Monday.

All Saints Church in Filby will hold a concert on May 15 with the Lakefield Singers, under conductors Pauline Wilmot and Peter Aldous. A classic guitar trio led by Robert Carmen will also perform. Admission is free but donations will be accepted.

And on June 7 the Great Yarmouth Operatic and Dramatic Society in association with the Phyllis Adams School of Dance will stage a song and dance tribute at the Britannia Pier in Yarmouth in memory of Wendy Roche, who was the society's choreographer for many years.

Tickets are £10 and £8 for children. To book call the box office on 01493 842209 or book online at www.britannia-pier.co.uk.

For more information on the above events or to hold a fundraising event contact Jenny Westgate on 01493 453348. Donations can be sent by post to the James Paget Healthcare NHS Trust Palliative Care Appeal, Palliative Care Team, Lowestoft Road, Gorleston, NR31 6LA. Cheques should be made payable to Palliative Care East.

Donations can be made online at www.palliative-care-east.org.uk.

Recent donations include: Jenny Watson £86; D Davies £39; Critoph and Crowe in memory of Maisie Soloman £1,610.50; East of England

Co-op in memory of Edna Hornigold £290; Arthur Jary & Sons in memory of Ronald Harris £525; Mrs M Doe £15; Towergate Risk Solutions £29; Mrs M Paine £25; Mr and Mrs P Colby £100; Fishes Funeral Services in memory of Colin Macheath £25; Reedham Parocial Church Council £45.86; Mr and Mrs J Tiffen £20; Mrs D Bines £30; Mrs M Howlett £20; East of England Co-op £80; Lowestoft fundraisers £23.50; Norman and Chrissie Hindley £3,100; Mr and Mrs Mutimer £500; Arthur Jary & Sons in memory of John Lakey £465.08; Arthur Jary & Sons in memory of Robert Westrop £500; Miss G Allitt £26.50; Brundish & Son in memory of Graham Bidwell £222.50; out patients café

JPUH £53; Gillingham Ladies £18; Mr Sharrock £320.