A north Norfolk poet and author is aiming to boost an appeal for a new research building near Norwich by staging a charity show later this year.

Margaret Luckett-Gray, of Walcott, who has an undiagnosed bone condition, is aiming to raise funds for a cause close to her heart by supporting the Norfolk Bone and Joint Centre Appeal.

The University of East Anglia and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital began work on the £19m research building at Colney last year, which will be dedicated to researching and finding new treatments for diseases including osteoporosis, arthritis, joint replacements and the bone disorder Paget's disease.

However, they have called on the public to help raise the final £1m needed to complete the project.

Mrs Luckett-Gray, who has been continually supported by the orthopaedic research department at the N&N and Action Arthritis Charity, for many years, is organising the variety Funtastic show at 7.30pm on Friday, June 20, at Davenport's Magic Kingdom in North Walsham.

She said: 'As a way of saying thank you to all the medical professionals, who have dealt with my case in the past, present and will continue to do so in the future, I decided to put on this show to raise funds and awareness for the Norfolk Bone and Joint Centre Appeal where, maybe, one day, a diagnosis will be found for my medical condition, and also for many other patients. I am extremely grateful to Roy Davenport, the owner of the venue, who has loaned me his theatre for the event'.

The variety show will star Roy Davenport, with comedian Pat Nearney, Tina Bradshaw, juggler Oliver Garwood, vocalist Sharon Louise and other performers. There will also be a raffle/auction.

The UEA and N&N have funded more than £16m of the total £19m cost of the centre. £2m is being sought in philanthropic gifts from corporate investment, national foundations and UEA Alumni.

The research centre will be led by Bill Fraser who is a leading international authority in metabolic bone disease and has been accredited with specific findings in bone research.

Tickets for the variety show are £12 each and £10 of all tickets sold will go directly to the appeal. To book, call Davenport's Magic Kingdom on 01692 405254 or online at www.davenportsmagickingdom.co.uk. For more information on the appeal, visit www.uea.ac.uk/boneandjoint.

Are you raising money for the Norfolk Bone and Joint Centre Appeal? Contact health correspondent Adam Gretton at 01603 772419 or email adam.gretton@archant.co.uk