KINDHEATRED fundraisers from across the region have been busy over the Bank Holiday weekend in an effort to send essential aid to the victims of the Tsunami disaster in Asia.

KINDHEATRED fundraisers from across the region have been busy over the Bank Holiday weekend in an effort to send essential aid to the victims of the Tsunami disaster in Asia.

A collection at Ipswich Town Football Club on New Years Day, when town played West Ham, raised over £24,000.

The Red Cross organised the collection helped by the Rotary and Lions Clubs who turned up at very short notice to give their support.

Alana Smith, of the Red Cross, said: “In all over £24,000 was collected by the volunteers from the generous football fans. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated.

“The British Red Cross would like to pass on their thanks and appreciation to the 50 plus volunteers who collected and to Ipswich Town Football Club for their warm welcome and help.”

Also in Ipswich, staff from Michael Richards hairdressers in Penshurst Road opened between 10am and 4pm yesterday raising around £700 for the appeal.

Owner Michael Trower said: “All the staff have come in one their day off and have been cutting, re-styling and highlighting hair.

“We have been offering our full range of services for half price will all the money going to help victims of the disaster.

“The people of Ipswich have been very generous and should give themselves a pat on the back. “Everyone has responded well and we have even had to turn some people away because we were so busy.”

Elsewhere Maureen Pearce, from Thrandeston, near Diss would like to say a big “thank-you” to everyone in the village after they donated 140 bags of clothes.

“The response has been absolutely overwhelming. We are only a small community and I think it shows what can be done when everyone comes together,” she said.

“I didn't give people a lot of time but everyone has been wonderful. I didn't realise the response I would get.

“I dropped a note round telling everyone what I was doing the day before New Year's eve and on New Years day I collected it all. I dare say if I had given people more time we could have done even more.

Ms Pearce would also like to say a special “thank-you” to Roy Humphrey who owns a van and car hire business in Eye.

“When I went to see him to ask if I could borrow a van to collect the bags in he said I could take whatever I needed. He really did come up trumps,” she added.

In Essex today Rollerworld in Colchester will give all its proceeds from its session between 2pm and 5pm to the Tsunami Relief Fund.

Rollerworld's management team said: “We have been deeply moved by the events in Asia and decided to do our bit as soon as we could for the fund.”

On Sunday January 23, Chelmsford Cathedral will stage a large concert in aid of the victims, featuring artists from London's West End following Evensong at 7.30pm.

The concert is the brainchild of the Reverend Chris Newlands.

Volunteers are still needed for Saturday and Sunday, January 8 and 9, when the Red Cross will be collecting money at Tesco Supermarkets in Suffolk. If you can spare an hour of your time on either day please contact Alana Smith on 01394 610419.