Journal Editor, Becky Brooks, had an early birthday surprise last Wednesday, with the presentation of a huge £1,000 cheque towards her charity challenge fundraising.

Becky, alongside local trekker, Karen Burge, and thirteen others, will be walking the Great Wall of China in aid of the new Cancer Centre at the RUH, Bath, and leaves for Beijing in September.

Ever since they heard about Becky's trekking challenge, Caroline and Terry Wynne MBE, from the Paulton Hospital League of Friends Charity Shop, have been quietly fundraising, with the help of local people, to raise the spectacular sum, even putting in some extra money themselves.

Terry and Caroline, who are well known locally for their long-standing charity work, raising spectacular sums for equipment at Paulton Hospital, dropped into The Journal cake sale last week to present Becky with the surprise cheque. She said: "I am still completely overwhelmed by the generosity of Terry, Caroline and everyone who donated. I was speechless and had a bit of a tear, it really was very unexpected and the best surprise.

"It takes my total to £5,500, far exceeding my original target of £3,100, and apart from donations from family and friends, the rest has been through the kindness of the community, who are really getting behind Karen and I.

"We really couldn't be more grateful, this money will make such a difference to cancer care locally and that is what this is all about. Thank you to everyone who donated and to Terry and Caroline for taking the initiative."

Terry Wynne said: "We have been taking our tombola out and about with us, which is how we started fundraising for Paulton Hospital in the very beginning. Once we told people that the money from these particular tombolas would go towards Becky's cause, the RUH, people could not give enough, we received tremendous support."

Whilst Becky and Karen are preparing for their six-day trek that will see them walking up to eight hours a day and staying both in hostels and with a local family in remote China, the fundraising continues. This Saturday, there will be a Race Night at Shoscombe Village Hall, starting at 7.30 p.m. All welcome. Please bring a bottle to share and raffle prizes if you have any to spare.

Party Plus, in Midsomer Norton, is still selling raffle tickets at lightning speed for their huge draw, with fantastic prizes donated by local businesses, including a hot air balloon ride, Mulberry handbag and bike from Halfords. The draw will take place on Friday, 29th August at Welton Rovers, with music from the All Stars, Cliff Clarke and Dangerous Brian. Tickets for the event are available from Party Plus or on the door on the night. With grateful thanks to Terry and Annette Andrews for their fantastic support.