A COMMUNITY has rallied to support a much-loved family member who has a serious form of cancer.

Thanks to a huge effort by the community of Nailsworth, nearly £10,000 has been raised for Paula Webb.

Paula, a former manager at Gerards Dry Cleaners in the town, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January.

The progression of her illness has been so startlingly quick that Paula’s four devoted sisters thought it opportunity to hold a family fun day in her honour and raise funds for Paula to use as she wishes in the remaining time she has left.

The large family rallied together and on July 20, a football match was held to great success at Shortwood Football Club.

The sisters have asked Paula, to use the money to pamper herself and make her remaining weeks of her life as enjoyable as possible.

“So many people sold raffle tickets, donated prizes, volunteered on the day with the many stalls, games and activities that took place alongside the football,” said sister Julie Leech.

Helpers organised a raffle, cake stall, bingo, tarot readings, face painting and barbecue alongside live music and disco.

“The generosity of not just the people of Nailsworth but the surrounding areas was absolutely overwhelming,” Julie said of the £9,300 raised.

“We cannot express the feeling of seeing so many people there to help us make the day such a success,” she said.

On behalf of the family, Julie would like to offer a huge, heartfelt thank you to every single person involved.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for their generosity and kindness,” she said.

Some of the money was put to good use the weekend before last with the family taking Paula for a trip to the Welsh seaside town of Barry Island near Cardiff.

“We are having a really busy and fun time making lasting memories with Paula,” said Julie.

“At Barry Island we met Ruth Jones and Joanna Page, two of the cast members from the TV programme Gavin and Stacey which Paula absolutely adores.”