A PILGRIMS HATCH man who has been raising money for good causes for 50 years shows no sign of slowing down as he celebrates his 70th birthday with a fun-filled event.

Joe Browne is calling on people in Brentwood to help raise money for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

Mr Browne, has organised more than 200 fundraising nights, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity and put on events featuring Wham!, Foster and Allen, and Mary O’Hara.

The former administrator of a community centre in Ilford, Mr Browne was honoured by Redbridge Council for his work in a new years’ parade in 2004.

“It was my 70th on February 8,” he said, “and to celebrate that, and the fact that it will nearly be St Patrick’s Day, we are holding a celebration of Irish folk music for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

“There’s so many good people out there, we’re all doing something. I’m not looking for medals, I’m blessed with the gifts I get from the Lord, that’s one of the reasons I’m doing this for charity.”

The Irish Mist event, featuring Joe Giltrap and Malcolm Rogers, is at Budworth Hall, High Street, Ongar on March 12.

Tickets cost �8 in advance or �10 on the night. Call 01277 363 888 or 01245 514 325 to book.