Norwich bookshop helped by Russell Crowe still struggling

In October last year, Gladiator star Russell Crowe proved himself a hero after he forked out £5,000 to help secure the future of Bookbugs and Dragontales in Timberhill, along with 498 other kind folk.

In total £22,480 was raised in a mere 28 days and even got the couple an appearance on Australian panel show 'Have You Been Paying Attention?'

READ MORE: Car gets stranded in bizarre incident during rush hour congestion

However Leanne Frid, manager of the shop and co-owner with her husband Dan Fridd, re-iterated the money raised was to provide breathing space and that the situation "continues to be difficult."

The 44-year-old said: "While it was a last resort the fundraiser did exactly what we wanted it to do - but times are still tough.

Bookbugs and Dragontales when it opened in 2019 (Image: Bookbugs and Dragontales)

"It gave us money to cover the ever increasing bills, gift more books to children at our events, raise the shop's profile and give us some breathing space to reset.

"But this was only ever going to be a short-term solution and wasn't going to save us forever.

"Things continue to be difficult, with retail and book-selling tough at the moment.

Hollywood actor, Russell Crowe, donated £5,000 to the book shop last year (Image: PA)

"My concern is that people may think we were saved so we don't need customers anymore and while we're eternally grateful for everyone who contributed to the fundraiser running the business will never be easy."

Even with the ongoing struggles, Leanne remains optimistic for the future.

"Bookbugs and Dragontales will always exist in some form in Norwich, one way or another, while I'm still here" she added.

Leanne and Dan Fridd, co-owners of Bookbugs and Dragontales in Timberhill (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Is this the worst pavement in Norwich? Neighbours slam 'awful' city path

"Our customers saved us and continue to save us now.

"We feel there's an obligation to make sure we're still here for every single person who invested in our future.

"We just can't take our foot off the pedal - we need to keep as much momentum going as possible."

Last year a total of £22,480.00 after 499 people donated money to keep the business afloat (Image: Newsquest)