A GENEROUS Exmouth woman asked for donations to the Raymond O’Sullivan campaign instead of people giving presents for her 50th birthday.

Sarah Taylor, of Pound Lane, raised �350 for a fundraising appeal set up on behalf of the Exmouth Community College pupil who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

The kind-hearted donations were made at Mrs Taylor’s birthday party at the Cranford Sports Club last Friday, October 22.

The money will go towards travel and associated costs for Raymond’s family as the youngster may need specialist radiotherapy in either America or Holland.

Mrs Taylor, who is married to Steve and has three children, said: “I was so touched by Raymond’s story that I decided to ask for monetary donations to the campaign instead of people giving me gifts.

“He is at such a young age. To be fighting cancer having already battled against it once before, I just thought it was a worth-while cause.”

In other fundraising events, two football matches have taken place in the last week in aid of the campaign.

Workers at Eurotech Group plc, in Dinan Way, played in a game at Exmouth Amateur’s Club and staff from Archant South West, a media group which owns The Journal, took on an Exmouth legends side.

East Devon District Council held a number of events one of which included where people were asked to donate a quid and guess the weight of a squid. The local authority also held a dress-up or dress-down day.

Tim and Kelly Barnes, who own Krispies Fish and Chips, in Exeter Road, have launched an epic cycle challenge.

This week they have been carrying out a 874-mile hypothetical journey on a static bike in their shop. Their staff, friends and customers have also been taking part in the ride.

Krispies will be open for donations from 10am to 10pm. It is hoped the challenge will be completed this Sunday, October 31.

More than �7000 has been raised in total for the campaign.

On Friday, November 12, a night of entertainment and an auction will take place at Exmouth Pavilion for the Raymond campaign.