Bruce returns to Weldmar! (with Martin Clunes, of course)

2nd February 2022

After Martin Clunes and Bruce’s triumphant visit to Weldmar’s Inpatient Unit in Dorchester last October, we’ve been fortunate to welcome them back for another visit, and meet even more of the people that we care for.

Jenny Wood, Day Services Lead at Weldmar says ‘When our Bridport Day Services patients saw the photos of Martin and Bruce’s visit in October they said how incredible it was and how much they’d like to be a part of it, so it’s been great to get them here today.’

Ian, a Day Services patient from Bridport, came to meet Martin and Bruce with his daughter, Karen. Karen says ‘I wanted us to come to meet Bruce. I’m almost in tears as it’s so wonderful, what a gorgeous horse.’

Maggie, a Bridport Day Services patient said how nice it was to have something to look forward to. ‘It’s just something different as everything can just become about hospital appointments. It’s perfect timing for me after some news I had last week, and it picks up your day. Animals can be so calming.’

Sandra says ‘It’s brilliant, he’s lovely – and Martin too.’

And Jackie says ‘Weldmar is fantastic with what they do for you. I have met some wonderful people – I’m very very lucky in that way. I nearly didn’t make it today as I had an appointment, but thankfully I was able to move it as I was so excited to meet Martin and Bruce.’

Penny volunteers at Day Services and says ‘We just absolutely love it, just seeing the patients faces. It’s so good of Martin to bring him. And Wendy, a Dorchester Day Services patient says ‘My favourite day is a Tuesday because I get to come to Day Services and experience things like this.

As well as having the chance to meet Martin and Bruce today, the Bridport and Dorchester patients were able to spend the day together. Something that Jenny says is a treat as they aren’t often able to mix.

Martin says, ‘It’s no trouble for us to come. I know people love seeing Bruce and horses do a lot for people in a lot of different ways.’

After lunch, Martin and his dog, Jim, visited patients who were staying in the Inpatient Unit.