Incredible local reaction to Weldmar’s Cuddle Bed Appeal funds additional specialist bed for the hospice

Brilliant news!

Weldmar Hospicecare supporters have shown incredible generosity by completely smashing the target for the recent Cuddle Bed Appeal, raising a stunning total of £49,320 in just a few short weeks.

The original goal of the appeal was to raise £30,000 – enough to purchase two new specialist Cuddle Beds for the charity’s Inpatient Unit in Dorchester. Currently, the hospice only has one of these special beds, meaning just one in twelve families could experience the closeness, love, and comfort they bring. When extended to its full width, a Cuddle Bed allows partners, children, and even pets to lie safely beside their loved ones, allowing them to make every moment matter when time is precious.

Thanks to the overwhelming response from the Dorset community, Weldmar has not only secured enough funding for three brand new Cuddle Beds, with surplus funds also pay for an incredible 177 additional hours of nursing care at the hospice.

Paula Riaz, Staff Nurse, who originally fronted the appeal, expressed her gratitude: “We couldn’t have imagined such a wonderful and generous response to this very special appeal. Very soon, more families will be able to benefit from being close when it matters the most. Thank you.”

Gloria McCartney, Senior Individual Giving Manager, says: “We’ve received a phenomenal response from the local community in Dorset and I’m delighted that we raised enough to fund three new Cuddle Beds. Throughout the appeal, we heard many moving stories from supporters who shared how a cuddle bed had made a profound difference during the care of a loved one, or how they wished they had access to one at such an important time. These stories remind us why these beds are so important, enabling precious moments for patients and their loved ones when it matters most.”

One supporter shared the following words alongside his donation:

“The nurses moved my wife so that I could lay by her side. I can’t describe to you what that meant for me. I cuddled her and assured her I was by her side.”

The extra hours of care funded in excess of the three Cuddle Beds will directly support the work of Weldmar’s dedicated nursing team at the hospice, ensuring patients and their families receive specialist, compassionate care and support when they need it most.

Pictured above: Dr Will Bodger, alongside Staff Nurses Shannen, Lauren, and Ellie, on a specialist Cuddle Bed at Weldmar’s Inpatient Unit. Below: A video message of thanks from Paula Riaz, Staff Nurse.