A DORSET charity hospice, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, has been hit by vandalism ahead of their new shop opening in Winton.

Staff at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care were preparing for the opening of their new shop in the heart of Winton high street when they arrived to find that the outside walls had been covered in graffiti.

A spokesperson from the charity said the organisation is incredibly disappointed and upset that this has happened and potentially caused a delay to their fundraising efforts ahead of the busy Christmas period.

READ MORE: Former HSBC bank premises in Winton set to reopen as shop

Director of retail, Susan Newcombe, said, “I am very saddened and shocked to see this anti-social behaviour and vandalism to our new shop. I don't know why anyone would do that - I'm lost for words.

“The hospice is here providing extraordinary hospice care to people and their loved ones who desperately need it.

“It’s such a shame that people don’t think of the bigger picture and the financial impact to the hospice because we will need to spend money cleaning the building when it should be spent on care and the community.

“If any local businesses or individuals would like to help us with ‘operation clean up’, we would be ever so grateful.

“Our fantastic team of staff and volunteers want to welcome you all on December 8 at 11am, and we need your help. If you can offer services or donations to help us to remove the graffiti ahead of our opening it would mean so much to everyone.

“The shop is opening not only to help raise much needed funds for the charity, but to offer the local community a place to shop sustainably and bag a bargain at the same time.

“Giving longer life to clothes is one of the most sustainable actions we can all take and each bag of preloved items donated is worth around £30.

“This could pay for a nurse's time towards supporting people with a life-limiting illness and their families and loved ones.”

If you or your business could help Lewis-Manning in their ‘operation clean up’ mission. Please contact susan.newcombe@lewis-manning.org.uk, call 01202 708470 or get in touch with the charity on social media.