FUNDRAISERS for Weldmar Hospicecare have been celebrated at the charity’s first ever showcase evening of appreciation.

Runners, skydivers, dancers and trekkers gathered at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester to be congratulated.

The evening’s entertainment included performances from Dorset’s Got Talent winner, Annabel Davies, last year’s Strictly Ballroom champions, Lloyd and Kate, and Noel Chilton, a finalist of this year’s Dorset’s Got Talent.

Matt Smith, events and challenges fundraiser, said it was important to recognise people’s contributions on a big scale.

Nearly £90,000 had been raised by the 100 people that attended that evening.

He added: “Throughout the year we’re always asking people to support us and to support our events.

“This event is not about fundraising. It’s just about inviting people back just to say a massive thank you to them.

“Without these people we would in no way be able to do the services that we provide.”

There were also two special awards on the evening for fundraiser Gus Mckechnie and Weldmar’s director of fundraising, Caroline Nickinson.

Gus, who has raised money for the charity over the past seven years, received the Outstanding Achievement award.

He said: “I wasn’t expecting anything like that.

“I got the train down from Southampton with my little backpack and I came away with two certificates and a nice trophy.

“It was such an honour.”

Gus, originally from Dorchester, explained why he was a keen supporter of the charity. He added: “My mum developed ovarian cancer and they sent community nurses to help her in the home.

“They were just amazing.”

Meanwhile, Caroline Nickinson, one of the charity’s three founding trustees, received a Lifetime Contribution Award.

She said: “It meant so much to me because it was given to me by my fundraising team.”

Caroline, who is retiring in July, added: “I would like to pay tribute to the fundraising team and all the volunteers and I shall miss everyone very much indeed.”