A SPONSORED head shave netted the Palliative Care East Appeal almost �1,000. Rig co-workers and colleagues managed to raise �460 while the total was matched by their company E.

A SPONSORED head shave netted the Palliative Care East Appeal almost �1,000.

Rig co-workers and colleagues managed to raise �460 while the total was matched by their company E.ON Ruhrgas.

Pictured are project secretary Hayley Cann and general operations manager at E.ON Ruhrgas Felix Lerch, presenting a cheque to James Paget University Hospital trust chairman John Hemming and appeal co-ordinator Jenny Westgate.

Meanwhile a buggy marathon held in Great Yarmouth on Saturday has raised a “substantial” amount of cash for the appeal, according the event organiser.

Fred Learmonth said he had “nothing but praise” for the 10 people who took part in the buggy run which started at The Feathers pub in Gorleston and ended at Yarmouth Market Place.

It's not yet known how much has been raised in the four-hour sponsored buggy run but Mr Learmonth believes the figure will be substantial.

Mr Learmonth said: “We spoke to several people about palliative care and I was surprised by the number of people who didn't know what it was.”

The �1.5m appeal aims to build a dedicated palliative care centre in the ground of the James Paget University Hospital and would serve patients in Yarmouth and Waveney.

Palliative care supports patients suffering incurable illnesses such as cancer and motor neurone disease. As well as providing effective pain relief the centre will also offer complementary therapies, spiritual and practical support.

Forthcoming events in aid of palliative care include a sponsored dog walk at Gorleston clifftop tomorrow,; BBC Radio Norfolk's comedy quiz, Should the Team Think, Gorleston Pavilion next Friday, April 24; and the Yarmouth Rotary Club's charity fun walk at Somerleyton on May 17.