The AFC Bournemouth Cherries Community Fund, which began providing grants to various community causes in 2016, has been forced to suspend its normal application process due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the trustees have now donated a generous £1,000 to Lewis-Manning Hospice.
Jeff Mostyn – Chair of AFC Bournemouth
In the past, grants of £1,000 were offered predominantly to charities and causes that aid the development of young people and vulnerable groups, or those that promote sport and healthy lifestyles in Dorset. However, Jeff Mostyn, Chair of AFC Bournemouth, said: “We’ve seen the work that Lewis-Manning Hospice Care does locally, and we know that they are dealing with some of the most challenging times due to COVID-19. The club decided to support five local hospices through its community fund because they are very much in the news at present, coping with challenging and unprecedented times due to coronavirus.”
Steve Cuss, Head of AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust, added: “We’ve supported hospice charities locally as these are unparalleled circumstances. Usually we go through applications for up to £1,000 worth of funding, which are judged by a panel which includes myself and the club’s chairman, Jeff Mostyn. The funding is made possible thanks to supporters who donate to AFC Bournemouth’s popular half-time community draw, which gives supporters the chance to win cash prizes while helping the local community through the fund.”
Lewis-Manning Hospice, now based at new premises in Longfleet Road, Poole, aims to provide free help to residents in Poole, Purbeck and East Dorset with life-limiting illnesses, by increasing physical and social wellbeing, reducing isolation and loneliness, supporting people so they can stay in their homes longer, and alleviating the pressure on family and carers. This work has only increased during the pandemic.
Chief Executive for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, Clare Gallie, said: “We are delighted and grateful to receive such a wonderful boost at a time when not only are fundraising activities postponed, but when our team are working harder than ever, to ensure local people are given the very best care we can deliver.
“Our nursing team are working ceaselessly to support patients and adapt our care and services during the ongoing pandemic.
“We know it can’t be easy for AFC Bournemouth, as they are missing out on the football match seasons and so it’s wonderful they recognise that every penny matters and we promise this donation will be put to good use, and we’ll extend an invite to the committee and the team when it is safe to do so, so they can see more about our work and where the funds go.”
If you would like to make a donation to support Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, please visit their JustGiving page to make a one-off or regular monthly donation. You can also text DORSETCARE to 70470 to give a monthly £5 donation. Visit their website for more information.