THE campaign to secure �1.5m funding for a new palliative care centre at the James Paget University Hospital has had quite a year.

In February, the Palliative Care East team achieved their first target when they passed the �1m milestone – thanks to donations from hundreds of people, including friends, neighbours, social groups, clubs and societies.

The appeal was launched in October 2006 aiming to raise the sum to pay for a new respite care centre in the hospital’s grounds for patients suffering from terminal illnesses.

Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and has now reached the �1.2m mark.

This week, Brian and Judy Potter, owners of Potters Leisure Resort in Hopton, presented a cheque for �20,000. The money was raised at the annual charity show held at the resort’s Atlas Theatre, when the Potter family pledged to match fund the money raised at the show, performed by Potters Theatre Company.

Funds raised were then topped up by a donation from the Norfolk Community Foundation, which supports good causes.

Telecommunications firm BT has also provided a �500 donation to the appeal, thanks to the voluntary work of BT employee Graham English.

BT’s Community Champions awards scheme awarded Mr English the money to help local community groups as the scheme helps staff who work for the community on a voluntary basis.

He said: “I have been following this appeal greatly, and my family and myself feel it is worth contributing to this cause – we have enjoyed our fund-raising and look forward to the time when the centre will be put to good use.

“The BT Community Champions award scheme provides a great opportunity for people raising money like ourselves – every contribution makes a difference. It is very positive that BT recognises the voluntary work of its people and supports the charity sector in this way.”

Jenny Watson, Palliative Care East co-ordinator, said: “We are very pleased with our BT Community Champions award and credit must go to Graham and his family for continually supporting the appeal and raising funds through their events, mainly musical.

“Graham is also a volunteer patient who donates his time to supporting the work of medical staff.

“They are a smashing family who, like so many other people, are totally dedicated to helping this cause which will be to the benefit of patients and their families with palliative care needs.”

To make a donation, visit www.palliativecareeast.org.uk. Cheques payable to Palliative Care East can be sent to Palliative Care East Fundraising Office, James Paget University Hospital, Gorleston, NR31 6LA.