DORSET County Hospital has received a generous donation in memory of a former patient who had been treated at the hospital.

More than 60 members of the Blandford-based Dorset and West Pastfinders metal detecting club fundraised for Dorset County Hospital in memory of Tim Burgess. The group ran a metal detecting event over the August bank holiday weekend on land owned by the Burgess family and raised more than £2,500. This was in addition to £1,000 already donated in Tim’s memory.

Members of the club and of the Burgess family met charity staff at the hospital to present a cheque in Tim’s memory and to thank staff for the excellent care he had received during his illness.

Over the metal detecting weekend a number of interesting finds were made including pressed coins, a gold coin and a Roman brooch with its pin still attached.

The Dorset and West Pastfinders group has also raised thousands of pounds for local charities over recent years.

Simon Pearson, Head of Fundraising at Dorset County Hospital Charity said,

“We would like to express our grateful thanks to Tim’s family and to the Dorset and West Pastfinders for their generous donation and their commitment to fundraising for the hospital. With the help of support like this we can continue to provide equipment and to fund projects over and above the NHS budget that make a huge difference to our patients and the people who care for them.”

For more information about the work of Dorset County Hospital Charity email charity@dchft.nhs.uk or phone 01305 253215.