THE SOUND OF THUNDER LEGENDARY entertainer Jumpin’ Jimmy Thunder has been presented with an entertainment and fundraising award by mayor of Weymouth and Portland Ray Banham.

Jimmy performed at a packed Wyke Regis Working Men’s Club to raise money for the Chalbury Unit at Weymouth Community Hospital and charity Dementia UK.

Jimmy’s fundraising efforts come after discovering three close friends are suffering from dementia.

The three sufferers are all ex-footballers – former Portland United manager Barry Lawley and ex-Terras heroes Peter Kearns and Johnny Hannigan.

Jimmy performed at a similar fundraiser gig back in September and helped to raise £2,000 with more money being raised at the latest event.

Coun Ray Banham said: “I heard Jimmy was celebrating his 50th year entertaining and wanted to give him a certificate that commemorates that and his charity fundraising efforts.

“Back in the 1970s and 1980s Jimmy helped make Weymouth famous because they loved watching him perform at the old Golden Eagle pub in town.”

Donna Marquis, 40 and the daughter of Barry Lawley, said the event’s aim was to raise as much money as possible for charity, and she was delighted that Jimmy has been recognised for all his hard work.

Event organiser Fred Hawkins said the award to Jimmy is ‘very well deserved’.

He added: “I have known Jimmy since 1964 and he has helped bring a lot of people to Weymouth for many years.

“The money raised from this gig will help provide the Chalbury Ward at Weymouth Community Hospital with Christmas trees this year, which they have not had before.

“And I’d also like to thank bands The Dinnerladies and Phoenix who provided such superb backing for Jimmy on the night.”