CHERRIES chairman Jeff Mostyn has joined manager Eddie Howe and TV’s Martin Clunes as an officla supporter of a Dorset children’s hospice by becoming an ambassador to Juli'as House.

Mr Mostyn has been an active supporter of Julia’s House for many years, helping to raise awareness for the charity, enabling it to continue providing care and support for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families.

“Jeff has made a significant contribution to Julia’s House and the children and families we care for over many years,” said Mike Bartlett, Deputy CEO of Julia’s House.

He added: “Joining us as an Ambassador is a reflection of his commitment to the charity as well as the respect and regard with which he is held in the local community.

“We are delighted he accepted our invitation to join our highly valued group of Ambassadors who help Julia’s House connect with local businesses, organisations and individuals. We hope Jeff is as excited as we are about his new role.”

Working alongside Julia’s House other celebrity patrons, including Chariots of Fire actor Nigel Havers, AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and former football manager and I'm a Celeb winner Harry Redknapp, Julia’s House Ambassadors and Patrons help raise public awareness of the charity among the community.

They also host Julia’s House events, attend meetings alongside hospice staff, represent the charity at external events, as well as build new relationships in the community.

Julia’s House relies on public donations, fundraising and legacies for 95 per cent of the money needed to run its service. In normal circumstances, Julia’s House only receives five per cent Government funding.

With their shops closed for three months and the majority of the charity’s summer fundraising events postponed or cancelled, Julia’s House have reported severe financial losses.

In April, Julia’s House CEO Martin Edwards revealed that the charity could lose up to £2.8 million due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Mr Mostyn said: “I couldn’t be joining Julia’s House at a more challenging time, but one in which the value of the work they do in caring for some of the most vulnerable children in our community has never been greater.

“I have long been a supporter of the charity and am truly delighted to take on a more formal role as one of their Ambassadors – I feel so honoured to have been invited.

“I am very much looking forward to working alongside my fellow Ambassadors and the amazing Julia’s House staff to support the charity in providing such a lifeline of care to so many local families.’’

Julia’s House is continuing to care for children and their families during the coronavirus crisis, providing a lifeline of care for anxious and isolated parents and helping vulnerable children stay safe and well at home thereby reducing the strain on the NHS.

A Julia’s House Ambassador is an honorary non-executive role, there is no fixed term and many stay with Julia’s House for a number of years.