A charity ball in memory of Dartford postman Chris Gunapala raised 4,500 in Barham

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A charity ball in memory of Dartford postman Chris Gunapala raised £4,500.

The money will be go to a school in Kenya which has just been built by the charity Care Highway International and needs furnishing and resources.

A plaque in memory of Mr Gunapala will also be put up at the school.

Mr Gunapala lived in Elm Road, Dartford, for 15 years and for 26 years he worked for the Royal Mail at the sorting offices in Dartford and Bromley.

In October 2014 he took early retirement, partly to join the charity on a trip to Kenya to help build the school.

However, he had health problems and before he was able to go, on October 17 last year, he contracted pneumonia and died within 12 hours.

A fundraiser in his memory was organised by his sister Linda Curtis at one of the family’s favourite venues, Broome Park Golf and Country Club, Barham.

Actress Caroline Goodall attended and auctioned off signed scripts of Schindler’s List and The Princess Diaries.

Some cast members of the West End show Motown the Musical entertained on the night. A dance troupe also performed and other big prizes including spa days and Chelsea FC vouchers were auctioned too.

Linda, 60, said: “I personally am thrilled to have now been asked to join the charity’s board to push forward more fundraising efforts.

“Through organising this event I have gained so much as a person; what a great sense of achievement on behalf of our brother Chris.

“I’ve made friends for life, become part of an organisation that truly cares, with every penny going straight into the charity.

“This gave me a sense of purpose and channelled my grief into something positive.

“A massive thank you to all who supported us.”