A CHARITY'S annual Bournemouth Air Show hospitality event raised £12,000 this year to support local people living with cancer.

Wessex Cancer Trust's event returned on Friday, September 3 at Key West restaurant on Bournemouth Pier after a year's absence due to Covid-19

The event, sponsored by IT consultancy QuoStar, welcomed 180 guests who enjoyed a variety of flight displays throughout the day, along with a three-course lunch and fundraising games.

The charity's corporate and community fundraiser, Sarah King said: "It was wonderful to be able to put on this event once again after a difficult 18 months for so many.

"Guests were able to meet other businesses in person once more to network whilst watching the amazing air displays in glorious sunshine."

The importance of Wessex Cancer Trust’s work has been brought into even sharper focus this month as Girls Aloud band member Sarah Harding died of breast cancer at the beginning of September.

Managing director at QuoStar, James Stelfox said: "We’ve proudly partnered with Wessex Cancer Trust for the past seven years, and they are an obvious choice for us. It’s important for us to support a charity that makes a big impact in the area.

"Wessex Cancer Trust does so much great work in the community, providing invaluable support not only to those affected by cancer, but to their loved ones as well.

"They do such a fantastic job putting these events on too.

"It’s so nice to have this event back again after last year’s break.

"This event provides a brilliant opportunity for businesses to come together and network whilst raising awareness of, and money for, an incredibly worthwhile cause."

All the money raised for Wessex Cancer Trust at the event will be used to provide practical and emotional support to those living with cancer in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as well as their families.