TEN businesses have pledged to donate all their fundraising efforts in support of Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

It comes after companies such as estate agency Goadsby, the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel, Beyond Retail, Buzz Bingo and Amigo Loans - as well as Linkedinlocal Bournemouth & Poole, Monet Boutique, the women’s friendship groups Tangent Bournemouth, Tangent Bournemouth No 1 and the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club - named DCCF as their charity of the year.

Each group will dedicate proceeds made through their next 12 months’ fundraising to the charity, which provides cash grants to people with the aim to pay for much-needed specialist equipment, short breaks and housing and living costs.

Goadsby is showing their support for DCCF for a third consecutive year, following charitable events last year, such as a cycle from Southampton to Paris.

They raised over £3000 for the cancer support charity in 2019.

CEO of Goadsby David Errington said: “We are all very proud to support DCCF as one of our three chosen charities for 2020. We have raised £8,500 to date.

“Sadly, most of us have been touched by cancer in some way, but DCCF makes a real difference to people across Dorset who are struggling because of it

Eve Went, who helped found DCCF five years ago following her own battle with cancer, said: “We are ecstatic that these businesses and groups have pledged their help.

“DCCF is making a real difference to the lives of cancer patients here in Dorset every day, but this is only possible through the hard work and commitment of our supporters.

“Every penny raised by them is delivered swiftly to a person or family who needs it - Already this year we have paid the transport costs to and from Southampton Hospital for a family whose son has a rare form of cancer and also enabled them to stay near his bedside. The companies’ help will mean even more grants for even more people.”

AFC Bournemouth Chairman and DCCF Patron Jeff Mostyn said: “I had the pleasure of meeting members of all of these businesses and groups at a recent DCCF event and was touched by their enthusiasm and commitment to helping us.

“I thank them with all my heart and look forward to hearing about their fundraising successes for the charity in 2020.”