A BOURNEMOUTH hotel dedicated to cancer patients is appealing to the community to help bring back its free minibus service.

The Grove Hotel, in Gervis Road, is unable to use its current vehicle to transport its guests because it is no longer roadworthy.

Run by Christchurch-based charity Macmillan Caring Locally, the not-for-profit hotel is now encouraging members of the public to help get them back on the road.

Hotel manager Brenden Howard said: “The minibus has been one of our guests’ favourite services. Not being able to use it on a regular basis, it’s really been missed this summer.

“The service provides an ideal way for our guests, who may struggle otherwise, to get out and explore Dorset and the New Forest for free.

“However, after many years of good use, The Grove’s current minibus is no longer road-worthy.

“As a not-for-profit hotel, our budget is particularly limited and, as such, all donations are greatly appreciated.”

The hotel describes itself as providing a “much-needed retreat for those with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses” and by providing “many free services, including a beach hut, the hotel strives to ensure its guests, for whom many it may be their last holiday, are able to make fantastic lasting memories with their loved ones”.

One guest who stayed at The Grove last summer, Hilary, is encouraging members of the public to “give what they can” to fund a new minibus.

“My husband and I stayed at this wonderful hotel following radiotherapy treatment in April 2015. We especially enjoyed some outings on the hotel minibus to the New Forest and surrounding areas; it was good to leave the car behind and not worry about finding our way or having to find somewhere to park.

“As such a highlight of our stay, it would be a great shame if The Grove were no longer able to provide this service. I would like to encourage everyone to give what they can.”

The hotel has its own JustGiving page for those who wish to make a donation and leave a note to let The Grove know that they would like the money to go towards the minibus.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/TheGroveBournemouth. For more information about The Grove, visit thegrovebournemouth.co.uk.