Man with terminal cancer creates ‘herd’ of reindeer for the DCCF.

A retired engineer with inoperable liver cancer has crafted 33 rustic reindeer to raise funds for a local charity.

Poole father-of-two Keith Evans, 76, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in September 2022 and underwent palliative chemotherapy between October and January this year.

He said: “The chemo caused my cancer to ‘go to sleep’ for a while. But a scan in July showed it had woken up again. My oncologist talked me through the effects of a second round of chemo, but this would have made me quite poorly, so I chose not to accept it. I am a very positive person, so I decided just to get on with my life while I am able.

“I became aware of the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) in 2010 when it was launched. I thought it was a fantastic charity helping the people of Dorset and I have supported it ever since.”

The DCCF gives financial help to people with cancer to pay for transport to and from hospital treatment, bills and accommodation costs and respite breaks.

Keith started making rustic reindeer last Christmas.

“They were originally for my family, friends, and my oncologist. Then a friend saw them and asked if I’d make some for her charity coffee morning for DCCF,” he explained.

When Eve Went, co-founder of the DCCF saw the reindeer she asked Keith to make her some. So, while he was recovering after chemo, he began work.

Keith’s love of fishing takes him to lakes where he can source the wood and twigs for the reindeer.

“The only items I need to buy is their noses, eyes, and some glue. So, all money taken on sales goes to the charity,” he added.

“I have made 33 reindeer this year for sale at the DCCF’s festive events.

“I hope that people buy them and enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them.”

Eve Went said: “I fell in love with Keith’s reindeer as soon as I saw them, and we are all so grateful that he has decided to make them for the charity.

“Keith is a wonderful man with a positive outlook on life and hugely supportive family. It’s lovely that his creations are spreading joy and helping us to raise funds to help many local families facing real hardships because of cancer.”