A LOCAL celebrity has helped raise money for the terminally ill when he unexpectedly popped into a fund-raiser.

A Marie Curie fund-raising group had a surprise visitor to their Blooming Great Tea Party last week – when Russell Grant, one of the UK’s foremost astrologers, showed up to support the event.

The Meirion and Dwyfor fund-raising group said a big thank you to Russell Grant, who visited them and their supporters at the Glaslyn Leisure Centre in Porthmadog on 27 June.

Marie Curie provides care and support to people living with a terminal illness, and their families.

Russell chatted to Marie Curie volunteers, and posed for a picture with school children from Ysgol y Gorlan, Tremadog primary who also attended to support the event, before going on to enjoy a cup of tea and a cake prepared by volunteer and Glasfryn café owner, Lorraine Lloyd Roberts.

Lorraine said: “Russell is a great guy who often helps in the community – we know him well.”

Victoria Hardy, community fund-raiser for Meirion and Dwyfor, added: “A huge thank you to Russell for taking the time to chat to the Marie Curie volunteers, and in particular for his warm response to the Tremadog primary school children.”