A CHARITY fundraiser has retired after helping to raise £34million.

Caroline Nickinson has retired after 20 years as Director of Fundraising at Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Caroline was pivotal in the original appeal to build Joseph Weld Hospice and was appointed as the first member of staff to continue raising funds to provide Joseph Weld Hospice and subsequently Weldmar’s services for patients and their families.

In that time, Caroline and her team have raised over £34million, helped and supported by the fundraising volunteers and Friends. A spokesman for the charity said: “Everyone at Weldmar has greatly appreciated and valued Caroline’s special skills and these were also acknowledged by Bournemouth University when she was awarded an honorary doctorate for her contribution to fundraising in Dorset.”

A party to wish Caroline a happy retirement was held at Joseph Weld Hospice to wish her well where she was presented with a food mixer and gifts. Caroline was also formally thanked by the vice-presidents, trustees and directors at a special event hosted by the president of the trust.

Alison Ryan, chief executive, said: “Without Caroline’s unique success over such a long period we would not have the comprehensive high quality services we offer to Dorset’s people when they really need them.

“It has been a privilege working with someone who cared so much about helping people.”