A LAUNCESTON woman’s fundraising efforts of behalf of Launceston Fire Station have raised more than £2,000.

Laura Smith has been busy selling raffle tickets over the past few months, with the huge prize raffle draw of over 100 prizes taking place at a fun day at the fire station on Saturday, September 9.

Firefighters washed cars for donations at the fun day, while youngsters were entertained with a bouncy castle, Blaze the bear, facepainting, a mini ferris wheel, a fancy dress competition and various stalls.

On the day, a cake by ‘Naughty Bites’ was presented to the firefighters at the station by Laura.

Laura’s efforts have raised £2,201.57. She said she was ‘more than happy’ as her target when she started was £1,000. She said: “It was hard work, but it was worth it.

“The support we have received has been overwhelming. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all.”

The money raised will go to The Fire Fighters Charity. Laura wanted to ‘give something back’, after a fire safety check revealed Laura’s fire alarms were one-and-a-half years out of date.

She said: “We had the fire brigade out to do a free safety check, the fire alarms were one-and-a-half years out of date. I tried to give them money but they wouldn’t take it, they’re not allowed to, but said if you see anyone out and about with a bucket, stick some in.

“He’s probably saved my life and I don’t even know it. If they are giving everyone free smoke alarms, I thought I should give something back. The information he gave me you don’t think about. I have benefitted from that.

“Everybody in Launceston may need them.”

Officer in charge at Launceston, Andy Sleeman, said: “We at Launceston Fire station are overwhelmed with the funds raised at our car wash/fun day. Despite the poor weather, many turned out to support the crews and visit the many stalls, games and look around the fire trucks. We washed many cars and the day was a massive success.

“A huge thanks to the amazing efforts of Laura Smith who co-ordinated the day and organised an excellent raffle. Her hard work paid off and a whopping £2,200 was raised for The Fire Fighters Charity, which will help physically and emotionally injured firefighters and their families and also provides help to the victims of burns.

“The generosity and support of the people of Launceston is never to be underestimated.”