Local charity Weldmar Hospicecare is celebrating an extraordinary fundraising triumph after the community rallied together to raise a stunning £49,320 in less than four weeks for its Cuddle Bed Appeal.
The appeal initially set out with a £30,000 target to purchase two new specialist Cuddle Beds for the charity’s Inpatient Unit in Dorchester. Currently, Weldmar only had one such bed available, meaning only a fraction of patients could benefit. When extended to its full width, a Cuddle Bed allows loved ones, children, and even family pets to lie right beside a patient, offering closeness and comfort when time is short.
The overwhelming response from Dorset residents means Weldmar can now purchase three new Cuddle Beds. The remainder of the total raised will fund an additional 177 hours of specialist nursing care at the hospice.
Paula Riaz, a Staff Nurse at Weldmar Hospicecare who fronted the campaign, says: “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, adds: “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.”
Weldmar Hospicecare provides specialist care to patients across Dorset, ensuring dignity, comfort, and compassion both at the hospice and in the comfort of patients’ own homes across the county.
