HAMPERS filled with handmade goods from local craftspeople helped raise over £700 for Dorset cancer patients.

The Crafty Gift Boutique in Trinity Street, Dorchester, raffled three hampers worth £155 for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

Managing director of the shop, Cheryl Warburton - generously supported by her traders - raised a total of £729 for the charity which gives financial assistance to people going through cancer treatment.

Cheryl said: "This is the second raffle we have held for local charities.

“I invite my traders to nominate a good cause and then we pull a winner out of hat. This one for DCCF was a particular success.”

DCCF was set up in 2012 and funds grants to help patients pay for everything from household bills and expenses, to specialist equipment and much-needed short breaks.

Cheryl added: “I think most of us have experienced cancer in some way, whether personally, or through a friend or loved one and it’s great to know this money will go towards lifting the financial pressures facing local cancer sufferers.”

Meryl Ponsford and Nikki Davies-Thomas from DCCF visited the Crafty Gift Boutique to collect the donation.

Meryl said: “We were absolutely delighted when we heard that we were to benefit from this fundraiser. We would like to say a huge thank you to Cheryl, her talented traders and all the customers who bought a raffle ticket. Their generosity will make a real difference to people facing cancer.”

Dorset Cancer Care Foundation would like to hear from anyone living in Dorset who may benefit from its help. The charity is also looking for more fundraisers. Please visit www.dccf.co.uk for details of how to apply for a grant and more information on becoming involved.