TAUNTON-based charity Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy is £3,500 better off following a mammoth fundraising week.

Donations to the County Gazette-backed SURE, which buys equipment for the Beacon Centre cancer unit at Musgrove Park Hospital, included £2,440 from the Mulberry Charity Commission, which matched the money raised by Karen Rossiter, of Bridgwater, through a sponsored head shave.

Collection pots totalled £81.52 at Tesco Express, East Reach, Taunton; £103.48 at Tesco Express, Comeytrowe; £51.08 at Londis, Bridgwater; £11.96 at the One Stop Shop, Bridgwater; and £45.52 from the One Stop Shop, Galmington.

A further £323 came from a cream tea held by Eve and Alan Jenkins, of Wellington, supported by Wellington Aqua ladies and men and neighbours.

Collections of 5p coins totalled £23.35 from Sarah's Bingo Ladies; £4.25 from Jackie, of Hemyock; an anonymous donation of £2.55; £10.45 from Steven and Janet Riddiford, of Loxton; A craft day at the Beacon Centre raised £154.51, while £70 left there by Norman Tomkies, of Street, included £30 in 5ps.

A further £185.90, mostly in 5ps, was raised through the Beacon Centre.

The week's total was £3,507.57, meaning £631,143.45 has been raised since the charity linked up with the Gazette.