An appeal to revamp a Norwich home for disabled adults is on the final lap of its �680,000 fundraising drive, the Bishop of Norwich said last night.

At a black tie dinner for friends and fundraisers of the John Grooms Court Appeal last night, the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James, spoke of his delight at how much money has already been raised for the project that aims to improve the facilities of John Grooms Court, in Sprowston Road, in the north of the city.

'We needed �680,000 when we launched the appeal and we have now raised more than �580,000.' he said.

'I do think we can assess the quality of a society by how it looks after people with very little voice and quality of life. 'It is a matter of pride for me that people in Norwich and Norfolk have given so generously and so quickly for this cause, and it is a credit to them.

'I am pretty confident we will have completed the fundraising by the end of the year. We are on the final lap now.'

He spoke of how John Grooms Court provided much-needed accommodation for disabled people and said it helped them to live as independently as possible. He said the �680,000 revamp was desperately needed.

Work is due to start on the first phase of the project at John Grooms Court in December. This includes installing a new lift and creating a new communal conservatory.

Phase two includes creating five new en-suite flats and refurbishing the existing accommodation.

Michael Brunson, one of the members of the fundraising committee, described the people who live at John Grooms Court as 'everyday heroes.'

'They started off without a very good hand in life, but giving them just a bit of help makes a huge difference to them.

'That is why I am so passionate about this appeal,' he said.

Run by national disability charity Livability, John Grooms Court has provided care and support in the community for more than 20 years and is home to 20 disabled men and women.

Yesterday's black tie dinner was at the Great Hospital in Bishopgate, Norwich.

For more information about John Grooms Court and to donate funds to the appeal go to www.livability.org.uk/case.asp?id=1575

Are you raising funds for a good cause? Contact reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk.