Christmas message from our Chairman of Trustees
I would like to start by thanking our supporters, particularly the Friends, Volunteers and Trustees who all donate a considerable amount of their time, and gain nothing financially – their reward being the knowledge that they are helping local people in need through some of their darkest times.
We are also truly fortunate to enjoy corporate sponsorship from Bournemouth AFC, Caterpillar, NatWest Bank, Tailor Made, Savills and we now welcome Goadsby on board for 2018 alongside many loyal local business supporters, and we thank them for their valued patronage.
During 2016/7 we have achieved our stated goals, prioritising the support of individuals rather than organisations and increasing the number of awards to individuals, of which almost half were outside the Bournemouth – Poole area where DCCF originated.
We continue to assist people with cancer throughout Dorset in a personal way to meet their specific needs. We have provided a range of support, from the provision of grants for shoes and clothing, surgical bras and prosthetics, transport costs, appliances, childcare and domestic assistance, to help with accommodation expenses – often a major worry when someone is undergoing treatment and unable to work.
The Betty Hyams legacy has enabled us to launch the “Betty bus” which offers counselling and support throughout Dorset covering remote parts of the County. The Memorial garden at Bournemouth Hospital which opened in May this year was also provided for by the legacy.
In the coming months, due to changes in Data Protection legislation, we will be under legal obligation to re-contact all Friends connected with DCCF to clarify their association with the charity and request specific permission to retain contact details – we promise to try and make this as painless as possible and trust that it will help our communications going forward.
In 2018 we commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the inauguration of Dorset Cancer Care Foundation, and we are humbled by the enormous support that has enabled us to continue our work and by the courage and dignity of the people we have helped. Information regarding how we mark this occasion will be circulated and on our website and social media
We are optimistic that the anniversary will be the springboard for greater things in 2018, we would like to raise awareness of the help that we can provide and would like more Friends and Volunteers to join us, we hope that you will continue this journey with us.
If you have not already done so, please take the opportunity to listen to and purchase our amazing Christmas Single – all the details and the touching story behind it’s release are here.
Finally, on behalf of myself and all at DCCF, I extend to you the season’s greetings and wish you a very happy and healthy New Year 2018.
With my best wishes
Chris Thomas
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
