Hundreds of people flocked to Dorset County Hospital in the weekend’s sunshine to enjoy its first Summer Spectacular.
The event, held on Saturday 6 July, has been hailed an overwhelming success, raising more than £2,500 for the hospital’s Chemotherapy Appeal, and other good causes.
The Grand Raffle alone raised £1,000 for the appeal.
Deputy Mayor of Dorchester, David Taylor, officially opened the event, followed by a spectacular cry from Dorchester Town Crier, Alistair Chisholm.
The day also saw performances from Twirl Academy, Rock Choir, Stagecoach Dorchester and Dorchester Carnival Band.
The afternoon was finished with families and organisers taking part in Lou Sams’ Zumba.
Visitors also enjoyed a variety of games and family-favourite activities as well as a vintage car and bike rally.
Emergency vehicles were also on site, allowing members of the public to take a closer look at the county’s emergency services including West Bay Coastguard, Dorset Police, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, South Western Ambulance and Devon Freewheelers.
The hospital’s Communications Officer, Susie Palmer, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who helped us make this first Summer Spectacular such a success, particularly the organising committee who worked extremely hard to pull everything together.
“We had very positive feedback from stallholders, performers and visitors and we hope to be able to stage another summer event next year – watch this space!”
Following the success of the Cancer Appeal, which raised £1.75million, the Trust now plans to upgrade the hospital’s existing Chemotherapy Unit in line with the quality of outpatient and radiotherapy services now available in the Robert White Centre.
If anyone would like to get involved in next year’s DCH Summer Spectacular, please email communications@dchft.nhs.uk
