A CAISTER man who lost his son in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster in 2004 says people in the region still need help, more than three-and-half-years after the tragedy.

A CAISTER man who lost his son in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster in 2004 says people in the region still need help, more than three-and-half-years after the tragedy.

Dale Hurren has been fundraising for the orphans on Phi Phi Island, Thailand, where his son James lost his life, since the disaster.

The James Hurren Tsunami Fund has donated hundreds of pounds to the children in some of the worst hit areas of the island and Dale makes sure the money gets spent where it is needed the most by visiting the island himself.

He said: “Proceeds from the previous fundraising events have helped towards the clean up operation, toys and educational materials.

The tourist parts of Thailand are back to normal but the smaller areas are still struggling to get back to the lifestyles they lost.”

Dale is currently organising the fourth James Hurren Tsunami fund summer ball, to be held at the Ocean Room, Gorleston, on Saturday August 30, from 7.30pm. This year's black tie event will feature a Robbie Williams tribute act, three course meal a raffle and auction.

Dale has also encouraged friends to raise cash in memory of his son. Dale is a member of Norwich Road Runners Team and last year fellow teammate Roddy McGregor raised more than £400 by running the New York marathon.

In January Dale will return to Thailand with James' stepmother Jules. He said: “We will be visiting the school on Phi Phi Island again because they are still not completely organised since the tsunami. By continuing with the fundraising I am keeping my son's memory alive and giving something back to those many people who lost everything.”

Tickets are £32 and are available by calling Dale on 01493 721732 or 07985 669412. Parties that book a table for 12 will only pay for 11.