A FUND in memory of a kind hearted woman who was born in Ellingham and died from a virus in Africa, is to receive a boost from a fund-raising Christmas meal.

On December 17 Earsham Hall Tearooms will be holding a Christmas Supper Night which will donate the profits for the Catherine Bullen Foundation to help it improve the lives of even more African school children

The foundation was set up in memory of Catherine Bullen who died in 2002 from gastro-enteritis while she was on safari Namibia, Africa.

After her safari the 22-year-old medical student who was concerned for the environment and those less fortunate than herself, was due to start a clinical placement in hospitals in Zambia and Tanzania.

Following her tragic death Catherine's parents, Roger and Linda Bullen, set up the foundation in her name to improve the lives of people in rural Namibia.

So far �200,000 has been raised in memory of Catherine with the money helping to refurbish and improve a primary school hostel at Omuhatura.

This month's fund-raiser at the Earsham Hall Tearooms will be the launch of the foundation's next stage of charity work to improve facilities at a school hostel in Eiseb, where children live in poor conditions, such as beds falling part and no working showers.

It is hoped that up to �100,000 will be raised for the next step of the foundation's work with donations from the Christmas Supper Night at the Earsham Hall Tearooms leading the way.

The event is being held at the tearooms as Mr and Mrs Bullen, who live in Colchester, Essex, go there every fortnight for a Sunday lunch with Catherine's grandmother Erika Bullen, who lives in Ditchingham.

Mr Bullen, 63, said: 'I hope it will be a successful night. The foundation works in very very rural area. The school hostel at Eiseb is very overcrowded. The children have to pour water over each other to wash and the beds are already falling apart.'

Mr Bullen added that every time he and his wife go to Namibia to see the work of the foundation they can feel they are in Catherine's 'own world'.

Jill Hall the owner of the tearooms said the Mr and Mrs Bullen deserve MBES for the running the foundation and was glad to support them.

Catherine grew up in the Ellingham area until she was about seven and then moved to Essex.

When she died Catherine had been studying medicine at Bristol University and was described by the university as being destined to become a top doctor.

The Christmas Supper Night starts from 7.30pm and has a three course meal and festive songs by Tearooms musical entertainer Tony Story.

There will be mulled wine and nibbles on arrival,

Tickets cost �35.00 per person. Places are limited and must be booked in advance by calling 01986 894 075 seven days a week.

For information on the Catherine Bullen Foundation call 01206 383368 or visit www.namibia-aid.org.uk