A UNIQUE hotel which offers retreats for cancer patients and people with life limiting illnesses will open its doors to the public.

The Grove Hotel in Bournemouth operated by Christchurch-based charity Macmillan Caring Locally will host an open day from 10am until 2pm on Wednesday, January 18.

People will have the chance to look around the only hotel of its kind in the country and find out about the retreat for patients and their partners.

The event will be opened by The Mayor of Bournemouth Cllr Eddie Coope followed by free refreshments, tours and presentations about the hotel and charity.

Brenden Howard, manager of the hotel, said: “The thought of going away when you are not well, especially if you need specialised equipment, can be daunting. But with a nurse on duty 24-hours a day and every conceivable disabled facility at the hotel, once a guest has stayed with us they return time and time again because they feel safe to go on holiday and go home feeling very refreshed.”

Anita Rigler, volunteer co-ordinator for Macmillan Caring Locally, added: “We all know someone who is not well and could benefit from a break by the sea. The aim of the day is to raise this awareness so that visitors can spread the word to their family and friends.”

For more information about The Grove Hotel go to thegrovebournemouth.co.uk