Lowestoft's extraordinary fundraisers

THE remarkable achievements of two of Lowestoft's leading fundraisers reached new heights this week.

In just over eight years, the voluntary efforts of Zoiyar Cole and Janet Ellis have reached an 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, a stunning �253,581.10 has been handed over to deserving cancer charities.

Over the years, a series of wacky events have sparked legendary status in Lowestoft as cash was raised for worthy causes. The friends even opened a charity shop to boost the tally in recent years, and although the responsibility for the former Jazos store in London Road South has now passed to East Anglia Children's Hospices (EACH), the fundraising has continued.

In this time, money has been donated to the Sandra Chapman Ward at the James Paget University Hospital, the palliative care unit at the hospital, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Macmillan Nurses, EACH and Quidenham Hospice - with new nurses being funded over the years in the Waveney area.

Hailing the 'achievement' of reaching more than �250,000, the selfless duo - who were united in their aim of giving something back to the organisations that had helped them.

Janet said: 'We would like to thank everybody that has supported us over the years and donated monies to the Paul Cole Cancer Fund.'

With �5,000 being recently handed over to EACH, four other presentations were made in recent weeks to the James Paget, Sandra Chapman Centre, Macmillan Nurses and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

And hailing the remarkable achievements of The Journal's former Pride in the Community champions, Jenny Westgate, the palliative care east appeal co-ordinator for James Paget University Hospital's NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'Zoiyar and Janet have raised thousands of pounds through the Paul Cole Cancer Fund for various causes.'