A HOSPICE is celebrating more than two decades of quality care.

Weldmar Hospicecare has reached its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter of a century since its inpatient unit opened in January 1994.

The charity provides end-of-life care for patients with cancer, and other progressive conditions, living in Dorset who need specialist support. This is given in a number of ways; in the comfort of patients’ own homes, via day services or as inpatients at Joseph Weld hospice in Dorchester.

Weldmar Hospicecare chief executive, Caroline Hamblett, says it’s been a ‘fantastic’ 25 years.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful to help patients and their families,” said Ms Hamblett. “It really is the staff who make it; you could not ask for nicer people to work with. The staff never seem to tire of helping people and I am very proud of them. I am proud of what we do out in the community – some people want to be at home, and we enable that to happen. It’s a wonderful service. I have loved it.

“Our anniversary is not only about looking back but looking forward – we want to do even more.”

Weldmar is an independent charity, working only in Dorset, and 25 per cent of its funds are provided by the NHS. The charity relies on the support of the community to raise the remaining 75 per cent.

Weldmar’s events play a crucial part in its fundraising, and the past 25 years have seen the creation of the Colour Run, Bubble Rush, Midnight Walk, Sunflower and Snowdrop Services, Light up a Life and family dog shows, amongst others.

Martin Clunes is a big supporter of the charity, appearing regularly at fundraising events, and he has raised thousands of pounds through Buckham Fair and

Ms Hamblett said: “We rely on donations to keep going. We plan to be here for a long time but we do need donations.”

Weldmar’s story began with the Dorset Respite Hospice Trust. The trust’s members – Caroline Nickinson, Major John Greener and David Revill - began looking into the need for end-of-life care in rural Dorset.

In 1990, the trust launched a public appeal to build a hospice in Dorchester.

Mrs Nickinson said: “Stephen Hebb was the architect and Dick Hargreaves led the project team. They did a wonderful job.”

Sir Joseph Weld cut the first turf in May 1992 to start the creation of Joseph Weld House and the first patient was welcomed on January 19,1994.

Two years later, Trimar hospice opened in Weymouth, providing day care.The two merged in 2002. The Prince of Wales has been patron of Weldmar Hospicecare since the beginning.

Mrs Nickinson said: “It’s exciting to see it reach 25 years. It’s very, very special place. I think it’s exactly what we hoped for in that it provides love and care for patients and their families. Everybody knows somebody who has been looked after by Weldmar.

“Businesses, clubs, organisations all made this hospice possible.

“It has so much support from everybody, including the NHS, it really is Dorset’s hospice. It’s for the people.”