OFFSHORE workers put safety- and charity- first when they raised �5,000 for the Palliative Care East appeal at the James Paget University Hospital.The excellent safety record of the Brae B and East Brae oil and gas platforms operated by Marathon Oil (UK) in the North Sea has proved a bonus for the appeal, which received a total of �5,000.

OFFSHORE workers put safety- and charity- first when they raised �5,000 for the Palliative Care East appeal at the James Paget University Hospital.

The excellent safety record of the Brae B and East Brae oil and gas platforms operated by Marathon Oil (UK) in the North Sea has proved a bonus for the appeal, which received a total of �5,000.

The cash came from the company's Safety Award Scheme, which rewards good safety performance offshore and workers on the two platforms chose the appeal as the recipient charity in memory of fellow rig worker Billy Pollard, an Edeco Petroleum Services employee.

Gordon Smith, a platform manager with Marathon Oil (UK), said: “Billy worked on all three platforms in the Brae field for a number of years. He had a very pleasant manner, always being in good humour. He took pride in his work and was a great ambassador for his employer.”

A further donation of �575 was presented to the appeal by the Somerton Grant Fund, which was proceeds from the Somerton Art and Craft Fair and Christmas carol singing.

The extra money brings the appeal total closer to the �1.5m target needed to build the new palliative care centre in the hospital's grounds to provide day care for people with terminal illnesses.

Further fundraising events are planned for the appeal:

A Variety Tribute Show will be held in the Celebration Suite at the Burrage Centre at James Paget University Hospital next Friday . Tickets cost �5

AN Old Lowestoft Slide Show in memory of Jack Rose at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft on Sunday, March 14, starting at 3pm. Tickets cost �5,

ON Saturday, March 20 there will be dining and dancing in 60's style to the band Out of the Ashes at the Ocean Room in Gorleston. There will also be a grand raffle.

ON Saturday, April 10, the Potters Theatre Company will be presenting the “Spring Fever” charity show at Potters Leisure Resort in Hopton.

THE Loddon Band will give a concert at Trinity Methodist Church in Park Road, Lowestoft on Saturday, April 17.

ON Saturday, May 15, there will be a Butterfly Day when the appeal's supporters will be out and about giving away butterfly badges for a donation of �1.

The Rotary Club of Great Yarmouth will host a charity walk in the Acle area on Sunday, May 16.

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