MORE and more businesses from across Dorset are helping to raise money for the families of the crew of the Purbeck Isle.

Requests for collection tins have come pouring into the Echo as businesses from Portland, Lulworth, Weymouth, Wool and Bovington back the campaign by the Weymouth and Portland Licensed Fishermen's and Boatmen’s Association.

The fund was set up after the The Purbeck Isle fishing boat went out on Thursday May 17 but did not return.

A three-day search and rescue mission involving the coastguards, lifeboat and Portland helicopter was started.

The search for the missing men was later called off and the incident is being investigated by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.

The wreck of the boat was found, as was the body of skipper David McFarlane, 35, but crewmen Jack Craig, 22, and Robert Prowse, 20, are still missing.

ASDA on Newstead Road has suspended all its fundraising activities for the next couple of weeks so that they can focus on raising money for the families of the Purbeck Isle.

Community life champion Sandy West said staff at the store were proud to back the fund. She said: “It’s something we wanted to do. We are very proud to be doing this and trying to help the families out.

“Our thoughts are with the family, these are local men and it affects everybody.”

Mrs West said that staff would do whatever they can to help out. She said: “It just highlights, in recent events, how much we need our helicopter.”

On Friday June 1 Alf’s Fish and Chips on Lynch Road, will be having a fundraising day for the cause.

Their suppliers Smales fish merchants and Froud’s potatoes have donated enough for 50 meals. This means that all the money for the first 50 meals of the day will go straight to the memorial fund. Then 10 per cent of all other meals will be donated.

Lady GaGa impersonator Leanne Lady GaGa Warne will be entertaining the crowds with a 30 minute performance of her act for free.

John Pearce from Alf’s said they had collected £200 already and their aim was to raise £1,000.

He said: “The response from the locals is fantastic.”

All About GaGa performer Leanne said she was happy to donate her time for free for such a good cause.

She said the skipper David McFarlane, inset, was a regular in the King’s Arms where she often performs.

How you can help

CASH donations or cheques payable to the Weymouth and Portland Licensed Fishermen’s and Boatmen’s Association can be dropped in to the Dorset Echo offices on the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth, Antelope Walk in Dorchester or East Street in Bridport.

Or they can be posted to Purbeck Isle Appeal, Dorset Echo, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9XD.

Anyone wishing to pay by credit card can do so at dorsetecho. co.uk/donate And donations can also be made at more than 80 locations, including The Orange Cider Bar, Alf’s Fish and Chips, Vaughan’s Bistro, L’n’O’s Bistro, Lanes Restaurant, the King’s Arms in Portesham, Rendezvous, The Horse with the Red Umbrella, in Dorchester, Angel Pharmacy in Weymouth, The Red Lion, Chapelhay Tavern and Asda, Weymouth.

Donations can also be made over the counter at the Halifax branch in Weymouth.

If anyone would like a collection tin for their business or help in any way please call the Echo newsdesk on 830999.