A HOST of events and activities are being organised to support a Poole hospice, after it was named Stewarts Garden Centre's Charity of the Year.

Forest Holme is set to benefit from the partnership with both the Christchurch and Broomhill centres, after the charity was chosen by staff.

Paul Hilliam, the centre manager at Stewarts Christchurch said: “We are delighted to support the hard working and dedicated people that provide such great care and support for their patents and families. Our first fundraising event is a special Dine and Demo evening on Wednesday, April 10.”

Forest Holme provides end of life care and support to more than 1,000 people each year with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses in Dorset. The hospice, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is part of Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and is supported by the charity, who need to raise at least £850,000 each year to help enhance the NHS provision at the hospice and in the community.

Hannah O'Hare, Fundraising Manager at Forest Holme Hospice, said that they are delighted to build the partnership during their 25th anniversary year.

“We are absolutely delighted to have been picked by Stewarts as their chosen charity, especially during this special year marking 25 years since we first opened. Since then, the charity has grown to meet the increasing demand for Forest Holme services. Additional funding is required to support all aspects of the hospice including the in-patient ward, the purchasing of specialist equipment, the funding of additional staffing posts, complementary therapies, and the bereavement counselling service.

We really excited about this new partnership and look forward to working together to raise vital funds to ensure that these essential services are there for future patients and their families during the most difficult time of their lives.”

Other fundraising events at the garden centres will include the popular pumpkin evenings and spooky walkway, Christmas preview evenings and various collections held during the year.