DORCHESTER RFC have announced a new charity partnership with Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Following on from a very successful fundraising event for local and regional charities at the club’s Rugbyathon last season, incoming chairman Nick Hodge approached the charity to set up a link between the two organisations once again.

Hodge said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the club to give something back to the community by supporting such a well thought of charity, who provide so much for those who need it.”

Weldmar will be present at rugby club events and games to increase awareness of their vital work in the community.

There will also be joint initiatives and opportunities for the charity to raise funds for the work they carry out.

The club’s first XV will proudly display the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust logo on their playing shorts, and the fundraising team are looking forward to seeing the team in action an the pitch.

Club captain Steve Hodgson said: “The teams are looking forward to supporting Weldmar by helping to promote their work and raising some money.”

Caroline Hamblett, chief executive of Weldmar, added: “This is an exciting opportunity to join with the rugby club and be involved with each other’s events.

“Both organisations rely on teamwork and hard work, and many locals are generous in their support of both parties.

“We look forward to joint

success both on and off the pitch”

Weldmar Hospicecare Trust cares for patients with cancer and other progressive conditions, such as motor neurone

disease.

Patients in north, south and west Dorset have a seamless service, whether they require care and advice in the comfort of their own homes, in the wellbeing centres or the inpatient unit at Joseph Weld Hospice.

All services are provided free of charge. Weldmar seek to improve the quality of life for patients by bringing relief from pain and other distressing symptoms - the aim is to enable patients to live as actively as possible and enable families to cope throughout the patient’s illness.

One of the fun Weldmar events the rugby club will be involved in is the Family Santa Fun Run on Sunday, December 4.

All senior and junior players will be fully encouraged by the club chairman to join in.

Hodge added: “Even veteran forwards can cope with a two-mile run.”

Weldmar Hospicecare and Dorchester Rugby Club welcome all supporters to the

club’s Coburg Road headquarters for all games and events, and encourage the community to get behind two long- standing and

well respected organisations.

Hodge and Hamblett added: “Support a strong team on the pitch and a strong team helping patients at Weldmar.”