Weldmar’s Securing Tomorrow’s Care Appeal given boost by generous Ducks and Drakes donation

Weldmar Hospicecare’s recently launched Securing Tomorrow’s Care Appeal has been given a major boost with a £25,000 donation from Ducks and Drakes Cancer Trust.

The Trust has been supporting Weldmar since forming in 2012, providing funds for much needed equipment over the years. This latest generous donation will help equip the charity’s new Outpatient Suite at their hospice building in Dorchester, which will house Wellbeing Support Sessions, and offer more counselling spaces, new complementary therapy suites, and physiotherapy and occupational therapy assessment rooms.

Ducks and Drakes Cancer Trust was founded by Annette Drake, following her son Andrew’s bowel cancer diagnosis at the age of just 24.

Annette, who is also currently in the care of Weldmar herself, says the new facilities are vital: “It’s producing a one point hub, so patients don’t have to travel to get to different services. They can come to that unit, have physiotherapy, or complementary therapy, or whatever they need. Being able to make that donation is just something we can give back.”

Annette attends the Pamper and Relaxation wellbeing session each week. “They’re lovely, it’s a really nice group. We’ll have foot massage, hand massage, Reiki, or yoga. It’s good to get people together who have experienced similar situations, and get them to talk over a coffee. Some people would probably be at home on their own if it wasn’t for these opportunities, and this might be their only chance to be with other people during the week.”

Matthew Lloyd is Weldmar’s Trust and Foundations Fundraiser, and says, “We are incredibly grateful to the Ducks and Drakes Cancer Trust for their latest generous donation of £25,000 towards essential equipment for our new Outpatient Suite. Over the years, Ducks and Drakes have been more than just supporters of Weldmar Hospicecare, they have been true partners in our mission to provide care for those with a life limiting illness. Their ongoing commitment has helped us enhance the care we provide to patients and families across Dorset, and comes at a time when we know they are facing challenges of their own, so we are proud to stand by them, as they have stood by us.”