FUNDRAISERS did their bit to keep the Palliative Care East Appeal in good health by working up a sweat at a charity sporting day held at a Great Yarmouth gym.

FUNDRAISERS did their bit to keep the Palliative Care East Appeal in good health by working up a sweat at a charity sporting day held at a Great Yarmouth gym.

The sports-mad crowd of 200 wellwishers visited Fitness 2000 in Southtown Road to raise �790 in memory of Belton mum-of-two Carla Saunders who died aged 33 in August, less than a year after being diagnosed with cancer.

A series of exercise sessions were arranged including a Vibe class involving cycling and a number of other challenges involving press ups, pull ups and sit ups.

However, there was plenty available for the less energetic including massage and aromatherapy treatments while youngsters could learn hip hop dancing, cheerleading, kick boxing and boxing.

The Carla Saunders fundraising campaign aims to raise �30,000 for the �1.5m appeal fund for a new palliative care centre in the grounds of James Paget University Hospital, which will provide treatment for patients with terminal illnesses. The money raised by Carla's appeal will help to pay for the centre's garden.

Carla's partner Tremaine Kent, who helped organise the sports day, said: “It was good. A lot of people turned up throughout the day, including friends of Carla's and people from the gym who came down and got involved.”

He has planned more fundraising events and has arranged a 10 strong team to take part in the Tough Guy challenge in Wolverhampton on January 31 when participants have to run eight miles, while he will be forming a duo with his friend Owen Howkins, 24 to complete a fundraising trek across four deserts in 2010.

A number of other Palliative Care East fundraising events have been planned, including:

On October 8, there will be a “Be Re Assured” fundraising event for the appeal featuring hundreds of cosmetic products.

The following day, there will be the Moonlite Walk along Lowestoft seafront, leaving from outside the Hotel Victoria at 7pm. There will be food and refreshments, and the cost is �5, with fancy dress optional. There will be a prize for best fancy dress, as well as a cabaret and raffle. Phone Gwen or Ann on 01502 572051 for tickets or sponsorship forms.

On October 9, there will be a moonlit walk along Lowestoft seafront, starting at 7pm from the Victoria Hotel. Entry is �5 and fancy dress is optional. For tickets or sponsorship forms phone Gwen or Ann on 01502 572051.

On October 14, there will be an autumn splendour at the Conservative Club in Gorleston, starting at 7pm. Tickets cost �5 and include a glass of wine.

On October 18, artist Martin Sexton will be giving a demonstration of his work during a lunch in the Celebration Suite at the James Paget Hospital, with guests arriving at 12.30pm. The cost of the two-course meal with tea and coffee is �20 per person.

On October 23, Circus Starr will be giving a demonstration of their acrobatic high jinks at Great Yarmouth Racecourse.

To make a donation to the Palliative Care East appeal, visit www.palliative-care-east.org.uk. Cheques made payable to Palliative Care East can be sent to Palliative Care East, Fundraising Office, James Paget University Hospital, Gorleston, NR31 6LA.

To find out more about the event and how you can hold a fundraising event, call co-ordinator Jenny Westgate on 01493 453348.