Frome Lions Clubs has raised £18,000 for Dorothy House Hospice Care following their annual charity dinner at Elmhay Park last month.
A total of 170 guests attended the Sporting Dinner, and thanks to their support and that of sponsors, Frome Lions raised £9,000 for the hospice. The Richard Oatley Foundation matched the funds, bringing the total to £18,000.
Guests learned about Dorothy House Hospice Care from charity representative James Byron, who explained it is the only adult hospice in the area offering free palliative and end-of-life care to those aged 18 and over with life-limiting illnesses or severe frailty, as well as support for their families and carers. Services are provided at the Winsley site, which includes a 10-bed inpatient unit, or in homes and community settings, where over 90% of care takes place. The hospice looks after more than 3,000 patients and 1,000 family members each year, roughly half of those in the community in need, and proceeds from the event will support the Community Palliative Care team.
The event also heard from guest speaker Nick Easter, a rugby coach and former England player, who shared his experiences, including earning 50 caps for England and scoring a hat-trick of tries against Uruguay in the 2015 World Cup.
The Lions thanked all guests for attending, Connor Construction (South-West) Ltd for overall sponsorship, Christopher Vincent and his staff for the venue, Cooper & Tanner, Mogers Drewett LLP, and Pegasus Bath Leat for sponsorship, Mr Andrew Lee for compering, Mr Martyn Hemmett for conducting the auction, and all the companies and individuals who donated items for the auction and raffle.
Pictured L-R: Guest speaker Nick Easter with Lions’ President Allison Rumming
