HOTEL staff are putting their maintenance skills to good use for charity by helping cancer patients in their own homes.

The initiative is the latest from Highcliff Marriott Bournemouth workers who support the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation.

Just weeks ago they raised nearly £500 in a 24-hour fitness challenge.

Engineer Andy Moore said: “Every year we choose a different charity to support and this year we have chosen Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF), a great local cause which offers financial assistance to families facing cancer.

“We all know someone who has been touched by cancer. What is often not realised is the huge financial strain that cancer can put on families.”

As many of the staff at the Marriott like to keep fit, the team kicked off its fundraising for DCCF with a 24-hour sponsored event in the hotel lobby.

Andy said: “Eleven people took part, taking turns to pedal, run or row as far as they could on three gym machines, from 10am on a Saturday morning until 10am on the Sunday morning. We were thrilled when our incredibly generous guests helped us to raise £476.

“Now, with the assistance of DCCF, myself and some other members of the hotel’s engineering team are preparing to go and help some local cancer patients in their own homes.”

He added: “Because of their conditions and ongoing treatment, some of these people are unable to do tasks around their homes. We will be carrying out some general repairs and maintenance works.”

Nikki Davies-Thomas, DCCF’s Administrator/Head of Fundraising, said: “We met Andy and the team at the Marriott when they hosted our annual fundraising ball this summer and when they said they wanted to take DCCF as their charity of the year we were completely bowled over.

“Within weeks of offering their support they have already pedalled hundreds of miles.

“Now they are going to be giving up their own free time to offer some of the people we have helped financially with some practical help in their own homes.”

People wishing to request help from the Marriott team are asked to email admin@dccf.co.uk or phone Nikki on 07593 890 879.