The achievements of two of Lowestoft's leading fundraisers reached new heights this week.
Over the past 14 years, the remarkable voluntary efforts of Pakefield pair Zoiyar Cole and Janet Ellis have been hailed – and they have now reached another incredible milestone.
Since the Paul Cole Cancer Fund was set up in memory of Zoiyar's son, who tragically died from liver cancer aged just 35, an amazing £300,000 has now been raised for deserving charities.
Last month they were just £770 away from reaching this milestone. And now, they have topped this significant sum – with the total standing at £300,709, after an anonymous donation of £500, a coffee morning raised more than £300 and other donations were received.
From an inaugural coffee morning that Mrs Cole organised to raise funds for Macmillan Nurses, through to a special balloon release held this week, the selfless duo have been united in giving something back to the organisations that had helped them.
Throughout their fundraising feats, monies have been donated to the Sandra Chapman Ward at the James Paget University Hospital, the Louise Hamilton Centre at the hospital, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Macmillan Nurses and East Anglia's Children's Hospices.
And on Monday, more than 70 people turned out as an event was held at Claremont Pier. Funds were raised for the Royal British Legion as about 120 balloons were released. Locals paid donations to release the balloons, and Mrs Cole was delighted with the response.
She said: 'We had a lot of people turn out and we made about £300 for the Royal British Legion. Our thanks go to everyone who turned out, those who donated and all our supporters. We organised the balloon release to pay respects and to remember any loved ones – it was a lovely event.'
Mrs Cole added: 'We will still carry on fundraising and our next event is a grand raffle – featuring more than 150 prizes – and a table top sale at Pakefield Church hall, on Saturday August 23, between 9am and 1pm.'
If you can help, or can donate any raffle prizes or funds, call Mrs Cole on 01502 513573.
Are you organising a charity event in the Lowestoft area? Email mark.boggis@archant.co.uk
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