FUNDRAISING in memory of a Suffolk man who died from stomach cancer has got off to a great start - with the first event bringing in nearly £4,000.

FUNDRAISING in memory of a Suffolk man who died from stomach cancer has got off to a great start - with the first event bringing in nearly £4,000.

Family of David Godby are raising the money for the Macmillan cancer support charity to thank them for their help and to give their vital work a much-needed boost.

Mr Godby was diagnosed in 2000 with cancer and died from the disease in 2002 at the age of 55.

His family want to give something back in his memory to those who helped him.

Mr Godby's widow Sally, and their son Paul, 33, are planning to trek along the spectacular Great Wall of China - walking as part of a group of 60 on and alongside the wall, following it through the Yanshan Mountains, camping in valleys along the way.

To take part they have to raise £3,200 minimum sponsorship each and held a social evening at Gainsborough Labour Club in Landseer Road, Ipswich, to kick-start the fundraising.

The evening featured bands Kudos, Soul Survivor and Hot Rod, a big raffle, and Paul's wife Wendy had her head shaved, sponsored by friends and family.

“It was a terrific evening and went really well - and we raised £3,800,” said Mrs Godby, of Kirton Road, Bucklesham.

“We just want to thank everyone who supported the event and all who came along to make it such a great evening.”

Mrs Godby, who has three children, Hannah, six, Charlie, four, and Sam, 18 months, had been growing her hair long but felt having it shaved would be her way of contributing.

“It's probably not the best time of the year with winter coming on but I have got quite a few hats lined up!” she said.

The family have a number of other fundraising events planned - including a fancy dress pub crawl in Ipswich town centre in November, and bag packing at supermarkets near Christmas.

Paul and Sally set off for two weeks in China next spring and are currently training for the trek, which will include remote sections of the Great Wall as well as the 300 steps of Heaven's Ladder.

Are you doing special fundraising events? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk

FASTFACTS: Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan nurses provide expert information, advice and support to improve the lives of people with cancer.

They may give advice and information on treatments, practical, psychological and emotional support, as well as assisting someone living with cancer control their symptoms and pain.

There are currently around 3,000 Macmillan nurses - most working within the NHS so their services are free.

Many people are referred to a Macmillan nurse by their GP, district nurse, consultant or ward sister, giving support to a person and their family throughout the illness.

They help people make informed decisions about their treatment, and guide them through the maze of different services, and also coping with problems such as the side effects of treatment and other symptoms.