THOUSANDS of pounds are being counted today towards Lol Hare's future, after a night full of laughter – and bidding.The grand auction for the speedway star injured in a horrific crash in April truly showed the good that come out of such a tragedy.

By Tracey Sparling

THOUSANDS of pounds are being counted today towards Lol Hare's future, after a night full of laughter – and bidding.

The grand auction for the speedway star injured in a horrific crash in April truly showed the good that come out of such a tragedy.

The event last night at the County Hotel, Copdock, saw 300 friends and family get together to show just how much they cared for the hero who has won their hearts.

After the night, organised by Lol's aunt Lynn Dennis, was kicked off by Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover with a £2,000 cheque of reader's donations and cash from the newspaper, columnist and compere Bob Shelley took over with a guest appearance by comedian Micky Zany .

Lol received a welcome and applause fit for a celebrity, and was persuaded to take to the stage himself after a few circuits of the ballroom to visit as many friends as possible in his new wheelchair.

He paid particular thanks to the Evening Star, and said: "They've been following my progress for the last six months – even I can't remember it all, but that's morphine for you!"

A hush fell as the 32-year-old added: "There are 300 people here – I can't thank everyone enough. It's overwhelming really. I can't single anyone out, but to be here with you all is just a pleasure."

People had travelled from all corners of Britain, including Liverpool, Manchester, Newquay and Hereford.

Robert Tolton, Lol's friend and nurse from Newport Hospital, Wales, where he was first treated after the accident, brought best wishes from colleagues.

He said: "That was the third time Lol had been brought in to us!

"The first time he'd broken his leg, the second he had a possible spinal injury, and the third time I didn't say anything to him at first.

"After a while I told him 'you can't change anything – this is the way you are now.' He understood that and he is one of the bravest patients I have ever known.

"The way he conducts himself is absolutely tremendous. I've never seen him get angry no matter how frustrating it is for him. He's shown tremendous courage and bravery.

"Speedway put him in this situation but now his speedway and other friends are helping him for the future."

Lol's dad John Hare said: "There are people here tonight who Lol hasn't seen for almost two decades, from his motocross days. There are so many people. . . I don't know them all. I just can't believe it."

Ten-year-old singer Poppy Banks, from Kinross Road, Ipswich, a member of Theatre Train, put in a tear-jerking performance, and Lol was presented with a signed David Beckham shirt sent by the player himself after he heard of Lol's plight.

A tombola alone raised £1,800, and the auction's 20 items raised a total of ...................as sporting memorabilia proved popular with bidders supporting the Lawrence Hare Support Fund. Some items raised in excess of £1,000 each.

A Peugeot car from Guy Nicholls at Forkrent plc was won by...............

Then the drums rolled for the Suffolk School of Samba, whose members put on a spectacular show in whirling red and white costumes, rounding off a night which will leave many with memories to treasure.

nDonations for the Lol Hare Appeal can be sent to Geraldine Thompson, Editor's Secretary, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.