THE campaign to raise �1.5m for a new respite day care centre at the James Paget University Hospital is getting closer to its target.

The Palliative Care East appeal is only a couple of �100,000 short of the magic number and is set to receive an extra boost this weekend.

This is thanks to the efforts of one of the hospital’s medical directors who is doing a quadrathlon this weekend.

Bernard Brett is participating in the Norfolk Super Hero Challenge tomorrow to raise money for both Palliative Care East and cancer charity Big C.

The quadrathlon consists of:

Swim: One mile from Gun Hill to the quay at Burnham Overy Staithe with the incoming tide.

Kayak: Four mile course through the creeks of Burnham Overy Staithe.

Cycle: 38 mile circular route on north Norfolk’s most scenic roads.

Run: Seven miles across tracks, sand, mud and marsh

The 57-strong female team involved in the Ben Nevis Challenge has also helped the appeal fund reach new heights by collecting �64,240.

To celebrate, the ladies enjoyed a well-earned knees-up at a ball at Potters Leisure Resort in Hopton on Friday.

The team, ranging in age from 18 to 80, successfully climbed to the top of the 4,400ft summit in May after undergoing months of intensive training from ex-elite special forces soldier Tremaine Kent.

Forthcoming events in aid of the appeal include:

Tonight: Students from Great Yarmouth College putting on a Masquerade Ball at the Imperial Hotel.

July 2: Loddon Young Farmers doing a charity bike ride from Loddon to High Kelling.

July 12: Ladies Day Event: Hairbase will be at Debenhams between 9am–4pm to do hairstyles for those women going to the Ladies Night at the Races. Just bring along your race night ticket.

July 24: James Paget University Hospital fete.

October 7: Moonlight Walk on Lowestoft seafront.

To make a donation to the appeal, visit www.palliativecareeast.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.