A RETIRED Gorleston doctor has been making a big splash throughout April to raise money for the Palliative Care East appeal at the James Paget University Hospital.

A RETIRED Gorleston doctor has been making a big splash throughout April to raise money for the Palliative Care East appeal at the James Paget University Hospital.

Dr William Hamilton-Deane has been swimming every day of the month to raise money for a new palliative care centre at the hospital to provide respite care for the terminally-ill.

The well-known GP, who used to work at the Dr Win and Partners clinic in East Anglian Way, has been doing 85 yard sponsored swims at Bannatyne's gym in Lowestoft - the distance being the same as his age.

Further fundraising cash has arrived to help the appeal reach its fundraising target of �1.5m. So far, the appeal has collected nearly �1.1m.

Public speakers Maureen and Michael Harvey have given two donations to the appeal- the first being �566.52 raised from donations given at 17 illustrated talks they gave to various organisations in Yarmouth on subjects, including their maiden voyages on Cunard ships, the history of shops and the history of knitting.

The second cheque was �750 from family and friends at Mr Harvey's 75th birthday bash last year, bringing their fundraising total to �1,316.

Further fundraising events have been planned for the appeal:

On May 15, there will be a butterfly day when appeal supporters will be out and about giving away butterfly badges for a donation of �1

On May 16 the Rotary Club of Great Yarmouth will host a charity walk in the Acle area.

On May 19, Yarmouth College will be holding a dinner and dance at Oasis Sports and Leisure Club in Norwich.

To make a donation to the Palliative Care East appeal 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.