LEGENDARY war reporter Kate Adie has been unveiled as appeal patron for a Dorset hospital charity fundraising drive.

The former BBC stalwart has been appointed to the role for the Dorset County Hospital Charity’s £2.5 million Emergency and Critical Care Appeal.

The appeal aims to fund major enhancements to the new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit currently under construction at the Dorchester site.

Plans for funding include overnight accommodation for relatives of critical care patients, a patient garden and staff welfare facilities, as well as a specialist child and adolescent mental health suite in the Emergency Department.

“Dorset County Hospital is my local hospital, it is a privilege to be involved in this appeal,” said Kate. “Our NHS provides an exceptional service and is there for all of us when we need it.

“Throughout my career I’ve witnessed first-hand the extraordinary work of emergency and critical care teams around the globe.

“The opportunity to help make a difference now to these vital services for our local community is highly motivating.

“I encourage our community to come together in support.”

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Head of charity, Simon Pearson said: “We greatly appreciate Kate Adie agreeing to be our Appeal Patron and look forward to working with her to help raise awareness and support for this important appeal.”

Kate was able to meet with members of the project and clinical teams during a recent visit to the construction site to learn more about the hospital’s plans.

A major fundraising focus for the Appeal is the DCH100 Jurassic Coast Challenge, which takes place on May 18 and 19.

Teams will be walking or running distances of between 10km and 100km along the Jurassic Coast, from Corfe to Bridport, raising money for the Appeal.

To find out more, and for information on how to support the Appeal, visit www.dchcharity.org.uk or contact a member of the charity team via charity@dchft.nhs.uk.