A KIND-hearted Ipswich couple have raised £600 for charity after hosting a huge party for their friends.Sue Bradbrook, of Princethorpe Road, organised the event to celebrate her 60th birthday, her husband Victor's retirement and their ruby wedding anniversary.

A KIND-hearted Ipswich couple have raised £600 for charity after hosting a huge party for their friends.

Sue Bradbrook, of Princethorpe Road, organised the event to celebrate her 60th birthday, her husband Victor's retirement and their ruby wedding anniversary.

She said: “We both wanted to organise a big party for our family and friends but instead of receiving presents we asked all our guests to give a donation to St Elizabeth Hospice.

“I have been a volunteer there for over fifteen years now and think they are really worthwhile supporting. They give such a great deal of help to people through a difficult time in their lives”.

One of Mrs Bradbrook's roles as volunteer involves working with the fundraising team in order to expand the number of commercial premises that host a St Elizabeth Hospice charity box.

Gemma Turpin, community fundraiser at the hospice, said: “There are so many shops, offices and businesses which currently have one of our collecting boxes and we are always looking to expand on these locations.

“Our box collectors help to regularly empty the boxes and replace them.”

To find out more about becoming a box collector call the hospice's fundraising office on 01473 723600.