How do I set up a JustGiving page in aid of Weldmar?

It’s quick and easy to get a JustGiving page set up for your Weldmar Fundraiser! Log into, or create, your account on the JustGiving website and select ‘Start Fundraising’ on the top menu bar. When asked “What are you raising money for?”, select ‘A Charity’. Search for ‘Weldmar Hospicecare’. You can either select a pre-existing event we have created from the list (for example, our Overseas Trek), or if you are doing your own fundraising challenge or event select ‘Doing your own thing’ at the bottom of the page. Choose your fundraising page URL – this is the link you’ll... Learn more

Do I need to be an existing Weldmar patient in order to be referred to Weldmar at Home?

Usually, patients that are seen at home by a member of the Weldmar at Home team will be known to us, most often having been referred earlier and seen at home by a Weldmar Community Nurse. However, we are absolutely committed to ensuring that care can be provided in the home to anyone who has a wish to die in their familiar and comfortable surroundings, so a referral may come to us for patients who, for example, are about to leave hospital without a package of care being in place.

Do you use ‘Macmillan nurses’?

No, we do not use Macmillan nurses. Macmillan is a very separate charity to Weldmar, and do not have community specialist palliative care nurses working in West Dorset.

How can I be referred for complementary therapy?

You can be referred for Complementary Therapy by any member of the Weldmar team who supports you.

How do I change my contact preferences with you?

We like to make it as straightforward as possible to change the way that we contact you as a supporter of Weldmar Hospicecare. Please fill out this form if you would like to change how we contact you, or end communication. You can also read our privacy policy.

How do I make a complaint?

All Weldmar staff are here to help you, and are pleased to receive any ideas, comments, or suggestions you may have for improving our services. We are also anxious to hear if you are unhappy about any aspect of our services so we can make improvements. When a matter is raised, we will try to deal with it promptly. If you would like to make a complaint, please read our complaints procedure.

How long will I stay at the Inpatient Unit?

The average length of stay for patients admitted for symptom control is two weeks, however this is determined by individual need.

I have items to donate to your charity shops – will you collect them?

Thank you for supporting Weldmar Hospicecare by donating items for our charity shops! We really appreciate it. Our charity shops do not make collections or deliveries, but our larger outlets do collect larger items such as furniture free of charge in their surrounding areas – these are based in Weymouth, Dorchester (who will collect/deliver from across the west of Dorset), Blandford, and Shaftesbury. Our outlets will also deliver items, but there is a small charge for this service. If you would like to enquire about delivery or collection, please contact your nearest Weldmar Outlet.

I would like to volunteer – what do I do?

Firstly, thank you! We couldn’t do what we do without the help and expertise of volunteers. You might like to help out in one of our shops, on reception at our Inpatient Unit, at a fundraising event, or driving patients to appointments. You can find more about becoming part of Team Weldmar here, including the current vacancies we are looking to fill with volunteers. Even if you don’t see an opportunity there that suits you, there is a form to fill in to tell us more about what you would like to do, and we’ll be in touch.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes, what is said between you and your counsellor remains confidential with some exceptions such as you being at risk of harm.

What care does Weldmar at Home provide?

The care provided by Weldmar at Home will vary from patient to patient, to fit in with their needs and requirements. Some people tell us that they value care overnight so that their family can rest. Others tell us that they would like a little bit of help during the day for example with washing, dressing or changing the bed sheets. We don’t do domestic chores such as housework or shopping, but can be there to be with the patient whilst other family members do those chores, if needed.

What is the visitor policy at your Inpatient Unit?

Patients can welcome their close family and friends to visit them whilst they are staying at the Inpatient Unit.

What items do you take in your charity shops and outlets – and what can I not donate?

Thank you for considering Weldmar Hospicecare as the charity to donate your items to. We welcome any donations of good quality items – there are only a few things we cannot take. If you would like to check whether we will accept certain items before bringing them in, please contact your nearest Weldmar charity shop or outlet, who will be more than happy to help. The whole area of recycling has changed for all charities. We can no longer dispose of any broken, damaged or unsaleable items. We no longer have anywhere to recycle these goods and, in fact, have... Learn more

Will I have to go to the hospice for my last days?

If you are being seen by one of our Weldmar Community Nurse Specialists, they will be able to have conversations with you about where you wish to be cared for towards the end of life.

How often will I be seen at home by my Weldmar Community Nurse?

Everyone’s needs are different. Following each consultation, your Weldmar Community Nurse will agree with you the date and time of the next visit.

How can I raise money for Weldmar on Facebook?

Facebook fundraisers are a fantastic way to to fundraise, and best of all they’re very simple to set up! You must set up a Facebook fundraiser on your computer. On your computer, log in to Facebook. On the left, click fundraiser heart coin Fundraisers. Tip: If you can’t see Fundraisers on the left-hand side, then click See more. On the left-hand side, click Raise money. Click Charity. You can either: Scroll to find the charity you want to raise money for Type into the search bar to find the charity you want to raise money for Once you have selected... Learn more

Why do I feel ‘abandoned’ by the hospital when they stopped seeing me and referred me to Weldmar?

Sometimes it's hard to accept that there is ‘no more hospital treatment’. However a referral to a Weldmar Community Nurse Specialist will give you chance to address some of these feelings.

Can I refer myself and ask for a visit from one of your nurses?

We are not able to accept a self referral. You would need to talk to either your GP or health care professional involved in your care.

Can Weldmar help me with posters and banners for my fundraising?

Yes we can! If you would like us to create a poster for you for your event, we can certainly do that. Please ensure you provide as much notice as you can, and all the information you would like included. TOP TIP: Whilst you want to include all of the key information about your event, it’s a good idea to keep the number of words as low as possible. Keep it concise and clear. To show that you are supporting Weldmar at your event, we can provide banners and flags, subject to availability. If you would like to find out... Learn more

Are meals provided at Wellbeing Sessions?

Light refreshments will be available throughout the sessions. If you are attending a session at the Inpatient Unit, you may wish to take advantage of our Orangery Bistro where refreshments, hot and cold meals and light bites are available between the hours of 12noon and 2pm. You could pre order a meal to enjoy after your morning session or before your afternoon session. There is a varied menu to choose from, at very reasonable prices. Please order at reception.

But many of my contacts have already been approached for donations by other fundraising campaigns – will they really want to donate to my cause?

Yes! They will not necessarily be donating for the cause itself, but simply because you have a personal connection with them and it is you who is asking! The cause is sometimes a secondary reason for donating. Perhaps they have asked you to support them in the past, and they will be happy to return the favour.

Can Gift Aid be claimed on a donation?

Yes, as long as the donor is eligible and has completed a Gift Aid declaration with us. There will be a tick box on the donation form for those that wish to apply Gift Aid to it.

Can I do a Street Collection for Weldmar Hospicecare?

Yes, you can do street collections for Weldmar. However, there are strict guidelines set in place by The Fundraising Regulator which must be followed.

Can I generate a QR code for my JustGiving page to use on posters etc?

Yes you can! Adding a QR code to your posters, leaflets etc, can enable people to quickly access your JustGiving page using the camera on their smartphone, which automatically picks up the link. We would recommend not using QR codes on social media or elsewhere digitally – people will usually be browsing on the device the would scan it from! To obtain a QR code: Set up your JustGiving page (guidance on how to do this is also in this set of common questions). View your page, and add ‘/qrcode’ to the end of the website address in your browser... Learn more

Can I just turn up to a Wellbeing Session?

No, you can’t just turn up to a Wellbeing Session, as we need to ensure we have enough support staff to assist with the sessions. It is also important that we do not exceed the capacity of the space we use. With this in mind, we ask that you call to book into a session, if possible, with at least 24 hours’ notice on 01305 215206.

Can I phone my contacts to ask them to donate?

Certainly – phone calls can be very powerful and are of course more personal.

Can I see a counsellor/supporter with my loved one/significant other?

Yes, you can see a counsellor with my loved one/significant other.

Can I see my counsellor/supporter in person?

Yes, you can meet in person in a room at the Inpatient Unit in Dorchester, or Trimar House in Weymouth.

Can I smoke at the Inpatient Unit?

A designated smoking area is available at the Inpatient Unit site for patients only, who are able to use it safely and independently.

Can I use cloakroom tickets for a raffle in advance of an event date?

Unfortunately not, you can't use cloakroom tickets for a raffle in advanced of an event date.

Can dogs come to the Summer Fete?

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads. We will be providing some shaded areas and water for them.

Can my partner attend a Wellbeing Session with me?

Attending our Wellbeing Support Sessions gives you an opportunity to have some time to yourself, to make new friends, and have experiences that are just for you. If you feel anxious about attending alone, you are welcome to bring your partner or carer with you for a coffee visit for your first session (where capacity allows), but after that, we encourage you to come alone, as it is a day specifically for you.

Can my pet visit the Inpatient Unit?

Yes, pets are very welcome to visit you on the Inpatient Unit

Can people also donate with cash, cheques, charity vouchers or bank transfer or is it only via the Charity Extra website?

Yes, you can accept cash, cheques, charity vouchers and bank transfers from people. These are called ‘offline donations’ and you will need to contact one of the team (this must be done during the campaign itself – contact details found at the top of this document) in order to have them added to your page. For bank transfers, please contact the fundraising team. Cheques/vouchers should be addressed to ‘Weldmar Hospicecare’ and sent to the following address with a covering letter to state the donation is for the Making Every Moment Matter Campaign: Weldmar Hospicecare Fundraising Team Weldmar Offices, Hammick House... Learn more

Can relatives stay overnight at the Inpatient Unit?

Marion’s Room We have one family room, Marion’s Room, which features a dining area, a large television and sofas, its own kitchen facilities, bathroom, and will allow family members to stay with loved ones in more comfort. It includes both a patient and visitor bed which can be connected together to create a double bed to allow for a couple and families to be even closer together if needed and the room also has a sofa bed so additional family members can stay too. Double doors lead out onto a patio, and access to the gardens outside our Orangery restaurant. Some... Learn more

Can you help me with my mobility and accessing the toilet at a Wellbeing Session?

We can assist with your mobility, whether it be walking alongside you to provide support, or using a wheelchair to help you get around the building. We have plenty of support workers available to assist. In some sites, we have access to hoisting facilities too. An assessment would be carried out by your Weldmar Community Nurse prior to attending, to ensure we could safely meet your mobility needs.

Do I need to do anything in order to set up my page?

No. Your page will be set up for you, so you do not need to do anything unless you want to add any personalisation – such as videos/pictures or any personal message/blurb about why this cause is important to you.

Do I need to get undressed for complementary therapy?

Your dignity will be maintained at all times, however therapists are able to adapt or offer other therapies that allow you to remain dressed.

Do I need to pay for the services of a physio or occupational therapist?

The services of a physio or occupational therapist, including equipment provision, are completely free of charge.

Do you collect/deliver donations at Dorchester Clearance at Poundbury?

We do not accept or collect donations at this outlet. We do however deliver furniture within the postcodes of DT1/DT2/DT6/DT7/DT8. A small charge is made for this service payable when you buy your furniture. Our Dorchester Outlet, just round the corner on the Marabout Trading Estate, does collect and accept donations of items.

Do you collect/deliver donations from your charity shops?

Thank you for supporting Weldmar Hospicecare by donating items for us to sell! We really appreciate it. Our shops do not make collections or deliveries, but our larger outlets do collect larger items such as furniture free of charge in their surrounding areas – these are based in Weymouth, Dorchester (who will collect/deliver from across the west of Dorset), Blandford, and Shaftesbury. Our outlets will also deliver items, but there is a small charge for this service. If you would like to enquire about delivery or collection, please contact your nearest Weldmar Outlet.

Do you collect/deliver donations from your outlet in Blandford?

We will come out and look at your items for sell, and if they are in good, clean, sellable condition with the correct fire labels on soft furnishings we will take the items away that day.

Do you collect/deliver donations from your outlet in Shaftesbury?

We will collect furniture donations subject to inspection in Shaftesbury and our area covered extends to Sherborne, Tisbury, Mere, Zeals and Wincanton.

Do you collect/deliver donations from your outlet on the Granby in Weymouth?

We can collect and deliver items from our outlet on the Granby in Weymouth.

Do you collect/deliver donations from your outlet on the Marabout in Dorchester?

We collect items of furniture from DT1/DT2/Dt6/DT7/DT8.

Do you work with my oncologist?

If you are still being seen by your oncologist, then our nurses do liaise with both them and your hospital clinical nurse specialist

How can I access the service for input from a Physiotherapist or an Occupational Therapist?

You should talk to your Weldmar Community Nurse or GP about being referred to our team for an assessment.

How can I promote my event online?

Facebook groups are a great way to promote your event online.

How do I get in touch to arrange a counselling session?

You can contact Weldmar Hospicecare directly, via our Inpatient Unit reception.

How do I prepare for writing or updating a Will?

Before visiting your solicitor, or making your Will online, it’s a good idea to prepare. Think about: What it is you own Who you want to remember in your Will The two people (executors) who will carry out the wishes in your Will How you would like to leave a gift to a charity, such as Weldmar Hospicecare. If you have already written your Will, it’s a good idea to review it every five to ten years to ensure it still reflects your wishes.

Each individual or team (Champions!) will have a personalised page on the Charity Extra website, which feeds into the wider campaign. You will get your own link to your personal page, which you can forward to your contacts/potential donors via Text Message, WhatsApp, social media, or email, making it super-easy for them to donate to your cause at the click of a button! As you contact your list of potential donors, you should hopefully start to raise some money and you can view your incoming donations in real time on your page! The main campaign page displays the overall information... Learn more

Alfie’s Story: “I couldn’t imagine going through what we did without this place and the people in it”

13th August 2024

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Fundraising News Personal Stories

Alfie's Story: Alfie and his mum Tracy hugging

Alfie’s Story and Experience: they were lovely and caring

In 2022, when Alfie returned home to Dorset following his latest overseas deployment with the Royal Navy, he learnt the sad news that his mum, Tracy, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Someone who always put everyone else first, she even apologised to the doctor who gave her the news, telling her son that it must be so hard for him to have to tell people news like that. “It just showed how selfless she was,” says Alfie.

After a round of chemotherapy, it was judged that further treatment was not going to be effective, and Tracy was referred into the care of Weldmar.

“The nurses coming in was a massive thing for Mum,” Alfie explains, “because everything happened quite quickly and she didn’t know what to expect. They were so lovely and caring, and when they recommended she come into the Inpatient Unit, she trusted them and agreed to it. I came here with her, and I knew straight away it was where I would like her to be. As a family member you like to think you are the best person to give care, but you can’t compare that with what’s available here.

Alfie and his two sisters, Carly and Stephanie, stayed with their mum for eight days at the hospice, having been provided with the use of the relatives’ room where they could catch some sleep or five minutes to themselves.

Alfie's Story: Alfie and his mum Tracy and their dog at home in Dorset

It’s the people at Weldmar

Alfie says that one thing in particular about their stay that drove him to fundraise and support the charity; “The grounds and the facilities are great, but it’s the people here that makes me want to give something back. They really are angels. It amazes me how people can be so caring and loving. We were just one case, but it felt as though we were the only ones there because we were so looked after. That wasn’t just Mum, it was all of us. They told us when we arrived that we weren’t carers any more, we were family. How they can do what they do, I don’t know.”

Messaging at the hospice about Weldmar being a charity also got Alfie thinking. “The idea that, God forbid, this place ever had to shut down and rob someone else the chance of having that care that we had is unthinkable. I couldn’t imagine going through what we did without this place and the people in it.”

“The biggest thing was the respect. She was asleep much of the time she was here, but if the nurses were going to move her, they would talk to her, be so gentle, and explain what they were going to do. That was a really nice thing for me. They looked after us too, advising us to go and have breaks and get fresh air. I think I was one of the first people to ever order a McDonald’s delivery to the hospice, because they made it feel like a home from home!

It seemed very poignant that at the moment Tracy died, Alfie was telling one of the nurses about his Navy career. Carly and Stephanie say it’s what she was most proud of, and it would have meant a lot for those to be the last words she heard.

Signing up for Tough Mudder

So, in 2023, Alfie began fundraising by signing up to a Tough Mudder event, which are described as ‘hardcore obstacle courses designed to test your all around strength, stamina, and mental grit.’ With an impressive £3,000 raised for Weldmar, he started to think about what he could do next.

“I wanted to raise £5,000 this time, so you’ve got to do something which is a real challenge, something worth asking people for all that money. With my mates, Gus Johnson, Archie Kershaw and Noah Lee-Adler, we signed up for Europe’s Toughest Mudder, which we completed in July. It’s like the regular Tough Mudder, but you just keep repeating the course, again and again, through the night for twelve hours. Everyone was really nice but it was much more competitive than the last one because prize money was up for grabs. Looking back now, I would say it was the best thing I’ve ever done, but it didn’t feel that way when I was being thrown into a cold pool of water at 4am! If any of us ever needed motivation, we just remembered why we were doing it.”

Next Steps in Alfie’s Story

What’s next for Alfie, Gus, Archie and Noah? It just so happens that their impressive performance in Europe’s Toughest Mudder has seen them qualify for the 24 hour long World’s Toughest Mudder in June 2025! Bring it on.

We thank Alfie and his family for sharing their story, and the group of friends who endured this challenge to raise vital funds for Weldmar Hospicecare. Sharing stories like this is an effective way of letting local people know more about the care that Weldmar provides, and the difference it makes. If you would like to share your Weldmar story, please contact james.oneill@weld-hospice.org.uk today.

Weldmar's Fundraising Hub

However you want to fundraise for Weldmar Hospicecare, we're there to support you. This could be taking on a challenge - either one of your own or one of the many listed on our website. You could host or attend a local fundraising event, or support Weldmar at work. Find out more and discover inspiration and how we can help, in our Fundraising Hub.

Go to our Fundraising Hub