THERE are probably easier ways to raise money for the Palliative Care East appeal but a brave bunch put their fears aside on Christmas Day and took a dip in the North Sea.

THERE are probably easier ways to raise money for the Palliative Care East appeal but a brave bunch put their fears aside on Christmas Day and took a dip in the North Sea.

With the water at about 8c 22-year-old James Mallion charged into the sea followed by his dedicated supporters including friends Fraser Gould and Jack Lovett. And after much persuasion he was also joined by father Tony Mallion, who is a patron of the appeal. The young men have been in the sea at Christmas before but it was the first time Tony had ventured in for well over 30 years. “There's only way to do it and that's just to get on with it, and not think about how cold it is!” said Tony. “It builds up an appetite for Christmas lunch, if nothing else,” he added.

James's mother, Jenny, is one of the specialists in the palliative care team. “It is a good cause and well worth supporting,” said James, whose brother, Tom, was on hand to take the pictures.

The �1.5m Palliative Care East appeal has now raised more than �800,000 and it is hoped building work will start on the centre in 2010. Built in the grounds of the James Paget University Hospital, the centre will serve patients from the Yarmouth and Waveney area.

Meanwhile, Keith Huxley, business development co-ordinator of Norton Peskett Solicitors presented appeal co-ordinator Jenny Westgate and Jan Beales, Macmillan specialist palliative care nurse with a cheque of �800. The money was raised in a sponsored walk around Southwold and Blythburgh in September last year by staff at Norton Peskett.

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 help, call appeal co-ordinator Jenny Westgate on 01493 453348.