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Thirteen teams took part in the South Western Vehicle Auctions Enduro 60 Karting Challenge at South Coast Karting, Chapel Gate in Christchurch, on Sunday November 17.

Amongst the racers was Poole-based Formula E racing driver and DCCF Ambassador Sam Bird.

Competition was fierce as the teams of three battled it out in a 40-lap practice session, followed by a 120-lap race.

LC Cars eventually won the event, with Meadens coming in second and a team from DP Burridge third. The contest raised over £3k for the DCCF, which provides financial help local families facing hardship because of a cancer diagnosis.

Sponsors SWVA, based at Holton Heath organised the event and also provided a free barbeque and refreshments.

Jo Legg, Sales Director at SWVA said: “We put details of the event out to our contacts and were overwhelmed by the interest from companies all wanting to be involved.

“We are very pleased to be supporting this great local charity which is doing such brilliant work in our community.

“The event was such a success we are now looking at organising an even bigger karting event to benefit the DCCF.”

McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird said: “The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation is a cause very close to my heart and when they offered me the chance to get back and race in a kart after many years, I just couldn’t pass it up.

“Sadly, my team didn’t make it onto the podium in this contest. But we had a great day, met some wonderful people and my girlfriend Jess, my brother Max and I were thrilled to have helped the charity raise some great funds to help local families with cancer.”

Jannine Loveys, Fundraising Manager of the DCCF, said: “We are extremely grateful to SWVA and all the local companies which have come together to support us in such an exciting event. Our thanks also go to our charity ambassador Sam Bird who is always so generous with his time, support, and enthusiasm, and also to Matt Jones from winning team LC Cars for successfully bidding £500 for a cap signed by British Formula One McLaren driver Lando Norris.

“Money raised by this event will be used to give much needed financial help to local families this Christmas.”

For more details of how to support the DCCF, or to apply for help please visit: www.dccf.co.uk

The winners of the event took to the podium – LC Cars came first, with Meadens coming in second and a team from DP Burridge third. The contest raised over £3k for the DCCF, which provides financial help local families facing hardship because of a cancer diagnosis.

DCCF’s charity Christmas cards have been designed by children from a local school and are available to buy now.

Pupils from Coastal Learning Partnerships’ Heatherlands Primary School, in Library Road, were asked by the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) to create images to adorn their 2024 Christmas cards.

Entries flooded in from across the school’s year groups and six winners were gathered last week to receive prizes and to see their designs which have been transformed into greetings cards.

Each of the winners: Charlie, Eli, Alex, Elena, Grace, and Terri, received a framed copy of their design and two tickets to a Dorset family attraction.

Charlie said: “This is amazing! I didn’t think I would win. I painted a snowman because I am hoping we will have snow this year and I can build a snowman.”

Alex said: “I feel very proud of myself.”

Grace added: “I didn’t know what was happening when I was called out of class, then they said I was a winner. It’s brilliant! I can’t wait to show my family my picture of a gingerbread man on the charity’s Christmas cards!”

The DCCF, based in Poole, raises funds to provide financial assistance to Dorset families facing financial hardship because of cancer. The charity gives non-returnable grants to help patients pay for costs including accommodation, transport to and from hospital, childcare and counselling.

Jo Saunders, Marketing and Communications Manager for the DCCF said: “We were impressed when we saw the beautiful designs the children had drawn and painted. It was extremely difficult to choose just six winners for our cards, but we did, and they look fabulous.”

She continued: “Meeting all the children was such a pleasure. They were extremely polite and interested to see what their designs looked like as actual Christmas cards. We are confident their cards will prove very popular this year and help us to raise much-needed funds to help many local families.”

Heatherlands Primary School Headteacher Julian Churchill said: “We are very proud of the children’s response to this opportunity for a really important cause.

“We will now be aiming to sell as many cards for the DCCF as possible in the run-up to Christmas, both at school and at our Christmas Fair on December 6th.”

DCCF Christmas cards cost £3 for a pack of six, with all proceeds going to local families with cancer and are available to order online from 2024 Charity Christmas Cards or pop into the DCCF office (B4( at Discovery Court, Wallisdown Road, Poole.

Poole-based Alfatronix Ltd has pledged to donate £500 every month to the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF), to help the growing number of local families facing financial hardship because of the disease.

The company, based in Newtown Business Park donated £5k to us at the beginning of this year.

Now MD Andy Hadfield has committed to a monthly donation and has appealed for other businesses to help.

Andy said: “Alfatronix serves a global market, but at its heart it is a local firm employing local people, and for this reason we were keen to support a charity which is making a real difference in our community.

“Sadly, most of us, including team members at Alfatronix. have been affected by cancer in some way.

“Having learned of how the DCCF is actively helping local people who are facing often terrible financial struggles because of cancer, we were keen to get behind them.”

The DCCF steps in when families are having to cope with the dual stresses of cancer and a loss of earnings. The charity can help people pay for accommodation costs, utility and even food bills, to help them keep their heads above water while they can’t work due to treatment.

Andy continued: “I think I can speak for everyone at Alfatronix when I say we are extremely proud to be supporting that work.

“We hope other businesses will also come forward to offer their help.”

Alfatronix, founded in Poole in 1979, designs and manufactures voltage converters and onboard charging products for a wide range of industries including the automotive, rail and marine markets. These products, which are manufactured in Poole by the company’s 60-strong workforce, are exported throughout the world as well as being used by locally.

Jannine Loveys, Fundraising Manager for the DCCF said: “We are very lucky to have the support of some great local businesses. The news that Alfatronix will be donating to us on a monthly basis is fabulous as it means we can actively factor their donations into our fundraising targets – targets which are being constantly increased to cope with the growing demand for our help during these costly times.”

She continued: “As with all our sponsors, Alfatronix will receive regular publicity via our media platforms, updates on how their money is helping local people, and also the chance to be involved with our popular public events.

“If there are other companies or businesses out there which are interested in helping Dorset people who are struggling because of cancer, we would ask them to please get in touch.”

For more information please email: charitymanager@dccf.co.uk

Poole racing driver Sam Bird is looking for karting fans to face him on the track, in support of a Dorset cancer charity.

McLaren Formula E Ace Sam, 37, has his own team of three competing in the SWVA Karting Challenge at South Coast Karting, Chapel Gate in Christchurch, on Sunday November 17.

The Enduro 60 event will raise funds for the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF), of which Sam is an ambassador.

A long-standing supporter of the DCCF, Sam has previously run the London Marathon for the charity.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to getting on the track with lots of other racers, having a great time and raising some good money for the DCCF.There will be a 40-lap practice session lasting 20 minutes, followed by an hour long, 120-lap race.It’s a great location and we aim to have around 13 teams of three competing.You can do it with your friends, your work colleagues, or your mates, drivers just need to be at least 13 years old and there’s going to be a great atmosphere.”

Sam started his career racing karts aged just eight and later became a test and reserve driver for Mercedes Formula 1 working with Schumacher, Rosberg and Hamilton.

One of the few drivers to have raced in Formula E since its inception, he signed for NEOM McLaren’s Formula E team for Season 10 in 2023. In March this year he sealed one of the most dramatic victories in Formula E history in the São Paulo E-Prix Round 4, when his stunning final-lap move on former Jaguar teammate Mitch Evans secured NEOM McLaren’s first victory in the World Championship, and his first with the team.

He said: “It’s a little while since I have been in a kart, but it’s where it all started for me.
“DP Burridge Developments from Poole have already entered four teams, so they look to be the ones to beat! What we need now are more teams to sign up, bring their supporters and help us to raise as much money as we can to help local people with cancer.”

The DCCF provides non-returnable cash grants to local families facing financial hardship because of a cancer diagnosis.

It costs £270 to enter a team of three drivers into The Enduro 60 and everyone receives gloves and a balaclava. One hundred pounds from each team registration will go to the DCCF.

Teams will also enjoy a barbeque and a prize raffle.

To book tickets visit the DCCF charity shop at: www.dccf.co.uk phone: 07849 249250 or email: hello@dccf.co.uk

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