ORGANISERS of a massive charity festival say they are optimistic funds raised from the event will break the �20,000 mark. The first Embrace event saw thousands of people gather a Great Yarmouth Racecourse for a charity festival combining sport and live entertainment aimed at bolstering funds for the Palliative Care East appeal.

ORGANISERS of a massive charity festival say they are optimistic funds raised from the event will break the �20,000 mark.

The first Embrace event saw thousands of people gather a Great Yarmouth Racecourse for a charity festival combining sport and live entertainment aimed at bolstering funds for the Palliative Care East appeal.

Almost �10,000 was raised on the day and sponsorship money from the Embrace charity fun run, in which nearly 300 people took part in, is coming in thick and fast - with amounts better than expected.

The �1.5m appeal aims to build a dedicated palliative care centre for the terminally ill in the grounds of the James Paget University Hospital, and will serve patients from Yarmouth and Waveney.

And it is hoped the appeal pot could soon stand at �900,000 thanks to the money-spinning Embrace event, held on August 9.

Spencer McCormack, one of the event's main organisers, said: “The sponsorship money is coming in well and I had expected about �40 to �50 from each person. However, I have received sponsorship money this week from 10 runners and they all range between �150 and �250. I know one person has even raised �430 so if it carries on like this it could more than double what we expected.”

Mr McCormack said all sponsorship money was needed by early September so a cheque could be presented to Palliative Care East later in the month.

To make a donation 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 appeal and how you can hold a fundraising event call co-ordinator Jenny Westgate on 01493 453348.