A charity champion who has raised over £100,000 for the Norfolk Heart Trust has been invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Jack Parker from Scarning, near Dereham, started supporting the trust 20 years ago when his first wife was being treated for a heart condition and he saw the desperate need for equipment at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital.
After she passed away he founded a charity golf day to raise much needed funds.
He and his second wife Angie have helped run the annual event since 1998 and it is the trust's main regular fundraising event.
The 76-year-old retired businessman has also raised money for many other charities, including Caister Lifeboat where he is an honorary member.
He is now planning to raise money and awareness of malignant melanoma having been diagnosed with the cancer last year.
'I've just had a big cancer operation where they took 76 lymph nodes out of my neck and collar bone and a section off my back,' he said. 'I look a bit of a state but I want to raise a few bob for the research team at the N&N and I've got a few events in the pipeline.'
Mr Parker paid tribute to his wife Angie for all her support with his fundraising efforts. 'Without her I could not have done it,' he said. The couple will head to London for the garden party later this month.
He added: 'We have no idea who nominated us but we would like to thank them and everyone who has supported us over the years. We are really looking forward to the party.'
The Norfolk Heart Trust funds equipment and staff training to improve cardiac treatment in Norfolk including vital equipment at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital's cardiology department.
The trust has also funded many community defibrillators and other equipment and specialist study courses for medical staff.
* This year's charity golf day will be held at Dunston Hall on Wednesday, July 12. To enter a team of four (£200 entry per team) contact Tom Turner or Hannah Game on 01508 473809 or email tturner@qhotels.co.uk. They would also appreciate any offers of sponsorship such as raffle prizes.
* For more information about the Norfolk Heart Trust visit the website.
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