A quiz night on Friday in North Cheam, in aid of the Robert Coombs Appeal fund, was declared a huge success after the evening raised a staggering £2,700.

More than two hundred quiz revellers packed The Woodstock pub's hall to support the event which aimed to raise cash for an electric wheelchair for Robert, 14, of Oliver Road, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Reporter Dean Piper was asked to launch the event, attended by 250 people, with a speech. He also arranged for chart-topping pop band S Club 7 to sign a DVD of their video as a gift for Robert. The night featured a raffle as well as the quiz, with top prizes including a holiday to France, a trip to Europe, football tickets and a mobile phone.

Robert's mother, Pauline, said: "The atmosphere was brilliant and I must say thank you to the Woodstock pub for letting us use the hall for free."

In total £3,601 has been raised for Robert, the total amount needed is £6,000. This will enable him to be more mobile and have more of a social life thanks to his new electric wheelchair.

The family is now trying to sort out how they can continue to raise money. Pauline said: "We don't know what our next fundraising event will be but we are going to wait until after Christmas until we get going again."

To donate money to Robert's campaign, drop into Bradford and Bingley in Sutton High Street where you can donate money over the counter. Just tell the cashier that you are donating to the Robert Coombs Appeal.

December 4, 2001 18:18