Fundraiser raises almost £6,000 for the family of terminally ill infant

Visitors at the West Lynn fundraiser for Jac Coffey were able to get a tour of a fire engine. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Close to 500 people basked in the sunshine at a fundraiser in West Lynn for little Jac Coffey, complete with bouncy castles, fire engine, carousel and a pop-up beauty parlour.

Organised by Hodgson Fitness, owner Anna Hodgson said she was amazed by how many people came to support the event, adding: 'It's been a fantastic turnout, it's been an amazing day, I'm really happy with it and the weather has listened to my prayers too.

'Cancer affects so many people and Jac stole everyone's heart.'

The event has raised £5,950 for Jac and his family, who were left devastated when they were given the news their young boy's cancer had returned and is terminal.

Elles Hair and Beauty tent at the West Lynn fundraiser for Jac Coffey. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Jac's mum, Kayleigh Coffey, said: 'It's absolutely amazing that so many people have come together to help us.

'So far on our Just Giving pages and from donations we've raised over £13,000, so many people have donated.

'Jac is a little grumpy today but he's been happy and playful, he's been really enjoying himself.'

Over 300 people joined a 5km sponsored walk, whilst others got their hair and nails done at Elles Hair and Beauty tent or got a tour of a fire engine.

There were bouncy castles and a carousel at the West Lynn fundraiser for Jac Coffey. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

Fire service watch manager, Ian Hunt, said: 'We know Jac is quite into fire engines so we wanted to do this for him.'

Police and paramedics took on police cadets in a friendly football match.

Speaking before the match, sgt Darryl Grief, of Lynn police, said: 'I believe the score will be 15 - 0 to the police.

'We helped young Jac in 2016 when we raised money for him, so we got to know his family and Anna Hodgson is a friend of mine.

The police and paramedic football team took on police cadets in a friendly football match at the West Lynn fundraiser for Jac Coffey. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

'We have a police football team for charity events and we've played against the ambulance last year.'

Jac Coffey was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour in 2015 and went into remission last summer. But in May doctors have told parents Kayleigh and Jay Coffey, from Gaywood, King's Lynn, that the cancer is back and they were uncertain how long he has left.

Jac's parents are now trying to raise money to enjoy what remains of his childhood with his 18-month-old brother Leo.

To donate, visit Jac Coffey's Just Giving page.

The police and paramedic football team took on police cadets in a friendly football match at the West Lynn fundraiser for Jac Coffey. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)