MP Bob Russell has given a boost to Colchester General Hospital's children's ward after a sparkling run in the London Marathon.

He raised £1,250 from his marathon efforts on April 13, to help the Evening Gazette's bid to kit out a sensory unit for poorly youngsters at the hospital.

Mr Russell, who is the town's MP, went along to the children's ward to hand over the cheque to staff and patients.

Footsore : MP Bob Russell with staff and patients at Colchester General Hospital children's ward. Picture: STEVE ARGENT

Thanks to fundraising activities like Mr Russell's the paper's Sparkle Appeal has successfully provided £20,000 for the special sensory unit which is now being created.

The Gazette has been building on the success of its original Sparkle Appeal by supporting another good cause.

The paper has teamed up with the Tendring Trust for the Disabled to raise £25,000 to build an indoor riding centre in Clacton.

The Sparkle Appeal 2003 will mean hundreds of disabled people from all over north and mid Essex will be able to benefit from regular riding lessons.

Published Monday, April 28, 2003

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