News

A 30-strong Male Voice Choir from an ex-mining valley in South Wales will perform for free in Bournemouth to raise funds for the county’s cancer patients.

Ogmore Valley Male Voice Choir from Mid-Glamorgan, will appear at St Peter’s Church in Hinton Road on Saturday November 2^nd with the proceeds of all ticket sales going to the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

The choir, which celebrated its 40^th anniversary in 2022, has performed all over Europe and the UK, including at The Royal Albert Hall.

The concert comes after the singers contacted Bournemouth mayor Cllr George Farquhar to offer their voices for a good cause.

Cllr Farquhar explained: “I received a wonderful message, quite out of the blue, saying the choir would be in our area and would be willing to perform to benefit a charity of my choice. Of course I jumped at this amazing chance.

“The DCCF does fantastic work offering financial support to local families facing hardship because of cancer and they were understandably thrilled to hear the choir was offering to perform on their behalf.

“The charity has found an ideal venue for the concert in St Peter’s Church, where the choir will undoubtedly raise the rafters with their fantastic voices. It should be an incredible evening of song, and I am very much looking forward to attending.”

Phil Davies, Secretary of Ogmore Valley MVC said: “We are excited to be performing in Bournemouth for the first time.

“We have a wide repertoire from traditional Welsh choral music to modern classics and a very talented and committed music team comprising of Eira Paskin our M.D, Gareth Waite Ass. M.D, Deb Lewis, accompanist, and Catrin Jenkin our assistant accompanist.”

He continued: “The choir is proud to have raised considerable amounts of money for local, national and international charities and are pleased to be able to use our voices to now support the DCCF and families in Dorset.”

The Ogmore Valley Male Voice Choir will appear at St Peter’s Church in Hinton Road, Bournemouth, from 7-9pm on Saturday November 2^nd.

Tickets cost £10 per person and include tea/coffee and cake.

Click HERE to book tickets. For other enquiries email: hello@dccf.co.uk

Get ready for an extraordinary feat of endurance and compassion! The Super Seven for The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation is set to take place from 10th – 16th March 2025, and it’s a challenge like no other. Chris Helberg and Chris Bryer-Ash will be running an astonishing seven marathons in seven days, covering an incredible 183.4 miles throughout the Dorset area.

Both Chris Helberg and Chris Bryer-Ash have experienced the devastating impact of cancer within their families. Their determination to help those facing financial hardship due to a cancer diagnosis drives them to undertake this monumental challenge. Their goal is to raise vital funds and awareness for the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation, supporting local families in need.

Throughout their training and preparation for this massive endeavour, we will be providing regular updates. We ask for your generous support – please visit their JustGiving page and make a donation to help them reach their fundraising goal. Chris Helberg is fundraising for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (justgiving.com)

Show your support for Chris Helberg and Chris Bryer-Ash as they take on this incredible journey to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer in Dorset.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and supported our recent Sparkling Summer Gala at Bournemouth Pavilion.

Thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm, we raised an incredible £38K, with additional pledges of £21K! Your support is truly making a difference.

And we’re already looking forward to next year! Save the date Saturday, 13th September 2025. We can’t wait to see you there for another unforgettable evening!

A team of fitness enthusiasts are preparing to scale three mountains in 24 hours for a Dorset cancer charity.

The eight-strong team of staff and clients from Coach House Fitness in Lytchett Matravers near Poole will be attempting the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge on July 6.

Their goal is to climb the three highest peaks of Scotland, England, and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon – one after another, in under 24 hours.

All the money they raise through sponsorship will be donated to the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF), which offers financial support to local people who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Matt Hatchard, the owner of Coach House Fitness explained: “We have been inspired to undertake this challenge by one of our gym members Clare Zsigo, who lives in Wool and was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

“We like to do a charity challenge every year to sponsor a local charity close to our hearts. Last year we did a 24hr Rowathon which raised over £1000 for the local primary school here in Lytchett Matravers.

“Clare was all primed to take part in the 3 Peaks with us this year until her diagnosis.

“Her GP is the Wellbridge Practice in Wool and one of the doctors there, Richard Mugford, who is on the Three Peaks Challenge with us, recommended the DCCF as a worthy cause to support.

“Everyone on the team was thrilled with this idea and so we are going all out to raise as much money for this charity in honour of Clare.”

The famous Three Peaks Challenge requires considerable fitness and meticulous planning.

Ben Nevis stands at 1,345 metres and is the highest peak in Scotland and the UK. Scafell Pike is the tallest peak in England at 978 metres, and Snowdon is Wales’ highest mountain at 1,085 metres. The Coach House Fitness team are undertaking 30-mile walks around some of Dorset’s most rugged and challenging Jurassic coastline to ensure their fitness.

Matt added: “We have a great mixed team: with a nurse, GP, the medical secretary at Wool surgery, a paramedic from Poole and clients from our gym.

The ‘CHF’ team: Angela Robins, Ben Cleal, Bev Symes, John Flavin, Jenna Flavin, Louis Tucker, Matt Hatchard and Dr. Richard Mugford will be joined by driver David Ivall, who will be making sure they are transported between all three peaks in enough time to achieve their 24-hour time limit.Matt added: “It’s a tough challenge, a real test of endurance, determination and teamwork, and people’s donations will not only motivate us, but also make a real difference to local families battling cancer.”

DCCF provides crucial financial assistance to Dorset residents undergoing cancer treatment. From helping with travel expenses to covering household bills, the DCCF ensures that patients and their families can focus on recovery without the added stress of financial burdens.

The charity’s Fundraising Manager, Jannine Loveys said: “We are absolutely thrilled to hear that the team from Coach House Fitness has chosen us as their beneficiary for such an amazing challenge and are completely in awe of what they are preparing to do.

“We hope people will show their appreciation too by sponsoring them. Every penny given will go directly to a Dorset family which is struggling financially because of a cancer diagnosis.”

Please donate at: Coach House Fitness is fundraising for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (justgiving.com)

The Coach House Fitness team have been training with 30-mile walks around rugged Dorset coastline.

A Bournemouth-based author is writing an inspirational book about her cancer diagnosis, with the help of the DCCF.

Writer Emily J. Johnson was diagnosed with thyroid cancer ‘completely out of the blue’ after her GP spotted an unusual swelling in her neck during a routine appointment in April.

In the last nine months, she has undergone surgery and in-patient radiation treatment to remove her tumour and thyroid.

Emily has used her lengthy treatment and recuperation time to write an account of her experiences on a digital portable typewriter bought for her by the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) and hopes to publish her as-yet un-named book at the end of 2024.

She said: “I went to my doctor at the end of last April with what I thought was eczema on my foot. While I was there, he noticed an asymmetrical shape to my neck. I had never even noticed it. But he was concerned enough to refer me for a hospital scan and some blood tests.

“Two weeks later I had the scan and a biopsy of a mass on my thyroid. Although my blood tests were all normal, I was referred on to an endocrinologist who said that in order to rule out cancer, I would require part of my thyroid and the mass to be removed for further pathology testing.

“This revealed I had follicular cancer which had probably been there for years.

“The news I had cancer completely spun me off my feet,” she continued.

“I had just recovered from an eating disorder about which I had published my second book, Belly, and I had a digital book tour planned. I was getting my life back on track. Now I had cancer too.”

Emily had a second round of surgery to remove the remainder of her thyroid which went well, but several hours later, she suffered a ruptured vein in her neck which took her back into emergency surgery and put her in intensive care for three days.

“I suffered palsy in my left vocal cord which made me lose my voice for several weeks and affected my breathing,” she said. “What had been originally a straightforward course of treatment soon became more complex and I faced an extended period of recovery.

“When the pathology results came back from my second surgery, the remaining part of my thyroid was found to have a second, different type of thyroid cancer known as papillary cancer. I was dumbfounded. I was still trying to accept the first cancer diagnosis.”

Rather than being beaten by the complications, Emily said she experienced an ‘epiphany’.

“During the bleed I had what I can only describe as a “near death experience whilst conscious, which has been lifechanging.” she said.

“I found a deep admiration for my body as it healed after years of disordered eating and self-hatred. I recognised how hard it was working to heal for me.

“I re-discovered meditation during my cancer journey and used it to help during my recovery. I also decided I would write a book in the many weeks of recuperation ahead.”

Emily was also referred to the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation by her cancer support worker. The charity fundraises to help Dorset people who experience financial hardship because of a cancer diagnosis.

“My fridge had broken just before my second surgery, and I needed a new one which this fantastic charity arranged. I talked to one of the charity administrators about my wish to write a book about my cancer journey and she urged me to apply for funding to buy a digital typewriter which I could take with me to appointments.

“I never would have been able to afford one of these myself. This tiny machine has been an absolute Godsend, travelling with me to hospital, allowing me to write on the go, and also in hospital whilst undergoing radiation.”

Emily works as a Customer Care Advisor for Poole-based cosmetics company Lush and has self-published two previous books.

“It might sound strange, but I feel I have been given a second chance at life and feel much stronger from having gone through cancer,” she added.

“In fact, I wouldn’t change any of it, despite how challenging it has been. I have learned to reconnect with my body and to appreciate the simplest of things in life.

“I have some further testing and will hopefully get the all-clear (fingers crossed!)  in October this year.

“I hope my book will both help and inspire readers who also find themselves on a cancer journey.

“My own journey has also introduced me to the DCCF, and I look forward to repaying their kindness to me by being involved in some of their future fundraising events.”

Jannine Loveys, Fundraising Manager for the DCCF said: “Our charity is here to help local people facing hardship because of a cancer diagnosis. Emily came to us for help in replacing a vital household item and we were touched by her passion to tell her story.

“We are helping to support even more families across Dorset every month and are always deeply encouraged to hear how our work helps to ease the huge pressure placed upon people’s lives by this illness. We hope Emily’s story will inspire others during their own cancer journeys and may also encourage more people to support the DCCF’s fundraising in any way they can.”

For information on how to apply for help from the DCCF or to fundraise for the charity please visit: www.dccf.co.uk

The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation exists because of its wonderful volunteers – and one of our ‘sweetest’ is Judy Hudson, our ‘legendary’ jam maker.

Judy, 71, from Poole began making preserves 40 years ago for her now grown-up son. 

She explained: “When I realised that jam was the only type of sandwich he liked I decided to make the best jam I could, so I followed a recipe in a book and it went from there.”

Four decades later ‘Judy’s Jams’ now produces a huge range of fruit and infused jams, marmalades, pickles and chutneys.

And what makes these delicious products even more special, is that Judy makes them and sells them entirely for free, with all proceeds going to charity.

This incredible act of giving began when Judy was working for Prama Care.

She said: “I did it because I wanted to raise some money for Prama and then it just sort of ‘took off’.

“Word started to spread about the jams and people would ask where I would be selling next and also if they could order their favourite kinds.

“I now make huge batches. I don’t add water to my jam and I think that gives it a better flavour. 

“People have their favourites – Jumbleberry is a big seller, as is Cherries and Berries. The marmalades with alcohol are also becoming very popular.”

Everyone at the DCCF was thrilled when Judy started selling her products for us in 2023.

She and her hard-working husband and helper Richard are now regulars at our coffee mornings and other events, with favourites like Gin and Lemon and Whiskey Marmalades literally flying off her table.

Judy said: “I grow some of my own fruit. I also buy it from places like Poole Market and people are very generous in the amount they give me.

“Obviously the making takes a huge amount of my time, but I do enjoy it and it makes me happy to think my jams and pickles are helping local families with cancer.

“My hobby also makes me very easy to buy presents for – I usually ask for sugar – although my children sometimes refuse because they say they want to buy me ‘proper’ presents!”

Judy, the DCCF is hugely grateful to you and Richard for all you do!

As well as gifts of granulated sugar Judy would be pleased to receive unwanted fruit and jam jars with lids. If you would like to donate, please contact Judy on: 01202 721919.

The team at Move On Sales & Lettings in Branksome is planning a year of fundraising events to support Dorset families suffering financial hardship because of cancer.

The eight-strong Move On team is the latest business to become an official sponsor of The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

Sharon Canning, Founder and MD said: “I feel lucky to have watched the DCCF’s amazing work since it started almost 12 years ago, because my mum is one of its founding supporters.

“In recent years, my staff have joined me in attending some of DCCF’s fun events.

“Now, we want to take our support one step further and arrange some of our own events, starting with an open to all Coffee Morning at the stunning LEVEL 8IGHT The Sky Bar on the top floor of the Hilton Bournemouth on Wednesday March 13.

“The event will run from 10am-12.30, and for just £6 entry you will receive a hot drink and delicious slice of cake. There will also be a raffle and all proceeds will go via DCCF to families here in Dorset who are really struggling because of a cancer diagnosis.”

The DCCF was formed in 2012 by three local nurses and has since raised over £700k for cancer patients.

Sharon continued: “I have met many people who have been helped by the DCCF when they needed it most; People who have been able to go on much needed short breaks with their loved ones; people who would have lost their homes if they hadn’t had help to pay their mortgage, and even people who have been helped to pay for basics like petrol and parking, just to get back and forth from their cancer treatment.

“We are really passionate about helping the DCCF because we know the charity’s trustees and supporters work on a voluntary basis and that all the money, we raise will go straight to local people who really need it,” she continued.

“Most of our team have seen loved ones touched by cancer, and some of us have even lost family and friends to cancer. Like DCCF, our company is firmly grounded in the Dorset community, and we want to do all we can to help this small but vital charity help as many families as possible.”

Move On Sales & Lettings has joined Chez Fred, Steele Raymond LLP, Grandeur Properties, Colten Care, Atlas, South West Vehicle Auctions (SWVA) and Swan Productions Ltd in pledging support for the DCCF throughout 2024.

The charity’s manager, Jannine Loveys, said: “There are many families here in Dorset who are facing the added stress of financial worries, on top of the already unbearable burden of a cancer diagnosis – and this is only getting worse as the cost of living continues to rise.

“Move On Sales & Lettings, along with all our supporters, make a real difference to Dorset families who are going through their darkest days, and we are incredibly grateful for their enthusiasm and support.

“We would love to talk to other companies interested in supporting us in any way they can, from a one-off donation, to sponsoring one of our events, or by choosing us as their charity of the year. Everything people do for us, directly helps a local family.”

For information on DCCF and supporting the charity please contact the team via email at: hello@dccf.co.uk by calling: 07849 249250 or via the charity’s website at: www.dccf.co.uk

Family-run vehicle auction house SWVA has been operating since 1971, and recently moved into a one-hectare site with a 12,000 sq ft headquarters building, at Holton Heath.

The company’s Business Development Manager, Jo Legg said: “SWVA wanted to support a charity that makes a positive impact in the community, and The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation perfectly aligns with this.

“DCCF is committed to fundraising to help Dorset people who are facing often extreme hardship because of a cancer diagnosis. Every one of the team at SWVA knows someone who has been affected by cancer. Some of us have lost loved ones to the disease. So, we are all very enthusiastic at the prospect of raising some good funds for DCCF’s work. We hope people will get behind us in our fundraising efforts, so together we can really make a difference.”

Throughout the coming year, SWVA will be organising various fundraising events and initiatives to support the DCCF. These activities will involve SWVA staff, customers, and the wider community.

The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation awards non-repayable grants to help people with cancer to meet expenses such as transport, domestic and household costs and some minor modifications needed in the home.

The charity’s Fundraising Manager Jannine Loveys said: “We are a small but vital charity whose success is driven by the hard work and commitment of our dedicated volunteers, supporters, sponsors and patrons.

“We are thrilled that SWVA has joined our group of supporters and look forward to working with them on some exciting events in the coming year.”

Local football legends Harry Redknapp and Jeff Mostyn are both patrons of the DCCF and help to raise the profile of the valuable work that the charity does.

Harry Redknapp said: “I’m only too pleased to lend my support to the fantastic Dorset Cancer Care Foundation and all the great work they do to help local people. Thank you to all involved in helping to keep this very important charity running for the people of Dorset.”

The DCCF has thanked residents of a Poole care home for gifting more than £1,100 to support its work.

Recent fundraising at Colten Care’s art deco themed Bourne View has featured a quiz night, gala lunches and dinners, games afternoons, raffles and jigsaw sales.

At a party in the Sandbanks sitting room of the Langside Avenue home, DCCF representatives were presented with a giant cheque to mark the culmination of a year of activity involving residents, families, team members, friends and community contacts.

The exact amount raised, £1,142.95, was also spelt out in meringue piped icing on a fruit cake specially baked for the occasion by Colten Care Chefs and sisters Lorna Parsons and Annabell Bryer.

Party guest Irene Whyment, who lives at the home, said: “Everyone has got on board with supporting this most worthy cause and helping local families. The money is definitely going somewhere it’s needed.”

Irene’s comments were echoed by fellow Bourne View resident John Broomfield who added: “Our events have been excellent and very enjoyable and we’ve had a lot of fun.”

To help the appeal, residents went hands-on at a number of events, for example making decorations for a gala, making up goodie bags and helping count the number of chocolate eggs in a jar for a guessing game.

DCCF representatives at the party included Trustee Di Bird and Fundraising Manager Jannine Loveys.

Di said: “We are so grateful to the residents for very kindly choosing us as their main charity to support in the past year.

“Our aim is to raise money in Dorset for people who are suffering financial hardship because of cancer and we rely on donations.

“Our support helps in a whole range of ways. It goes towards the costs of expenses such as transportation, childcare, home modifications, respite care, general household bills and specialised treatment, with the endorsement of qualified practitioners.

“We are the only charity of our kind in Dorset in that we focus on financial help for people living with cancer. So far, we have raised more than £700,000, helping around 800 individuals.”

Di added: “Bourne View is the most amazing home. It’s like a 7-star hotel. The residents are clearly so happy and thrilled with the facilities.”

Gemma Parkin, Bourne View Home Manager, said: “Our residents choose the charities we support and we are proud to have helped DCCF in its vital work this year.”

At the afternoon tea celebration are Dorset Cancer Care Foundation Trustee Di Bird, left, and Bourne View Companionship Team Leader Zoe Rose.

David Harris Wellings from Christchurch has embarked on a charity Slim-athon in support of his wife Paula who is fighting breast cancer.

David, 52, who works as a Maintenance Surveyor for Sovereign Housing Association in Christchurch, aims to shed six stones from his starting weight of 20st 10.5lbs, and is asking people to sponsor him with all proceeds going to the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

He explained: “Paula was diagnosed with cancer in July and has now completed five rounds of chemotherapy to shrink a 10cm tumour in her breast. It has been a terrible shock for her and us all, but she is facing it with such strength.

“She is now waiting for a surgery date to undergo a mastectomy and the removal of lymph nodes from under her right arm.

“Before starting chemo she did the Brave the Shave event for Macmillan and raised over £1700 for the charity.

“I just want to show her how much we all love and admire her and as I have wanted to lose weight for ages, I thought I would challenge myself and try to help a local charity at the same time.”

The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation gives financial assistance to local cancer patients, many of whom are facing extreme hardship. DCCF non-repayable grants can meet the cost of accommodation and bills, specialist equipment, childcare, and counselling.

In the past year, the charity has seen calls for its assistance double due to the cost-of-living crisis.

David said: “It’s a great charity doing such important work and if I can raise some money for them, plus lose weight and be healthier for the future, then everyone wins.”

Assisted Living Manager Paula, 48, said she is proud of her husband.

“Cancer is frightening and it’s a scary time. But I can’t speak highly enough of the NHS staff who are treating me. David, our four children and our family and friends are also being wonderfully supportive.

“I know I am very lucky to have found the cancer myself and acted on it. Scans have also revealed it thankfully hasn’t spread anywhere else.

“David’s Slim-athon will be a welcome distraction and I’m going to encourage him as much as possible to watch what he eats and to get on our treadmill!

“We will also be charting his progress on his JustGiving page and hope people will give generously knowing all the money will be going to Dorset families who really need it.”

Eve Went, co-founder of The DCCF said: “We are so thankful to Paula and David for thinking of the DCCF when they are going through so much themselves.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing David’s progress and wish this amazing family all the best in the coming months. Our supporters and fundraisers are what make the DCCF so wonderful, and we are grateful to have them on board.”

David Harris Wellings can be sponsored via his JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/davidandpaula