Martin Clunes brings his heavy horse Bruce to meet Weldmar patients

26th October 2021

There was a special treat for patients at Weldmar Hospicecare’s Inpatient Unit in Dorchester today, as actor Martin Clunes arrived with his heavy horse Bruce.

Those attending Day Services were able to come and meet Martin and Bruce close up, whilst Martin visited inpatients at the hospice afterwards with his dog, Bob Jackson.

The Doc Martin and Manhunt star is a regular visitor at our Summer Fete each September. However we have not been able to hold that event since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Martin says, “Bruce doesn’t get out much! I show him at Buckham Fair, but that’s about it, and he doesn’t really like it! What I like about Weldmar is their work and the people, and it’s no harm for me to do something like this and I knew people would like to see Brucie! Animals cheer people up.”

Day Services patient Corinne told us, “I nearly didn’t come today because I wasn’t feeling well but I’m so glad I’ve come because it’s really pushed my day up!”

Jenny Wood is Weldmar’s Day Services Lead, and says, “It’s quite a sight to have Bruce out on the lawn. It’s so lovely to give people these experiences that are so unusual, and they can go and tell their families all about it. We’re really grateful to Martin for bringing him along.”

The heavy horse visit was filmed by the BBC and featured on their national Breakfast programme, as well as South Today and Spotlight regional programmes, and on radio BBC Radio Solent’s Breakfast in Dorset.