TWO Dorset charities joined forces to create memories in wood.

GO Girls! who support women with gynae cancers teamed up with The Purbeck Workshop for a morning of woodcrafting as part of the Purbeck Workshop's creative escapes for those suffering from cancer.

Teresa Wolff, Vice Chair of GO Girls said: "It was a fabulous morning - learning a new skill and having such a laugh - so therapeutic - and I even managed to complete my version of Nelson's column in just over two hours with a little help. I would definitely recommend this class."

The Purbeck Workshop was founded in 2015, as a legacy to Paul Feeney who sadly passed away from cancer. He had found therapeutic escape from gruelling treatment and endless hospital appointments by joining craft groups and so he decided setting up the Purbeck Workshop would be his legacy to the community to enable other cancer patients and their families to receive the benefits he had.

Hilary Maxwell, chair of the GO Girls! and gynae-onoclogy nurse said: "It's so important local charities work together - this is the second time the GO Girls have been to the Workshop and on each occasion we have had such an incredible time. It was amazing to know that the Workshop were also keen to support our recently launched ovarian cancer awareness campaign - know the ABDO Code - to highlight symptoms of ovarian cancer."

A team of GO Girls crafted hearts, spaghetti spoons and scottie dogs. Diane Day and Anne Williams who both suffer from gynae cancers added: "We don't think we've ever laughed so much and if they say laughter is the best medicine, this was it! We are looking forward to trying watercolours next time".

Liz O'Hara, trustee of the Purbeck Workshop said "It was a pleasure to welcome back the GO Girls to the Workshop. We were amazed at what the girls crafted in two hours - even with a little help from our superb team of enthusiastic woodwork volunteers to mentor and guide".

"All the evidence says physical activity is good in cancer care, and this workshop did ensure we broke a little sweat - so the GO Girls would recommend everyone with cancer gives it a GO!" said Hilary.

GO Girls are currently raising £25,000 for the Cancer Appeal to enable women with gynae cancers to have access to a counselling suite as part of the new build. To donate, visit their justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/account/your-pages/just10GOGirls 

To find out more about the Purbeck workshop activities, visit their website at www.purbeckworkshop.org