AN open gardens event raised more than £1,000 for Dorset County Hospital’s new appeal.

Cattistock Open Gardens, which ran in June, was the first community event in aid of the DCH Charity’s Emergency and Critical Care Appeal, raising funds to enhance the new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit on the hospital’s Dorchester site.

Gillian Wallace, chair of Cattistock Open Gardens, said: “We decided to donate 50% of the proceeds from our event on June 10 and 11 to the Emergency and Critical Care Appeal.

“We are only too aware of how all healthcare continues to face huge challenges in the wake of the pandemic and economic challenges and would like to do our bit to help.”

The event raised £1,400 for the appeal, which was officially launched at the Dorset County Show.

In addition to the income from ticket sale and teas, organisers ran a grand raffle and plant sale which added to the total raised.

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Simon Pearson, head of charity at DCH Charity, added: “We would like to thank everyone concerned with the Cattistock Open Gardens event for their amazing support for Dorset County Hospital.

“This appeal is supporting the largest new-build project at Dorset County Hospital since it first opened on the new site.

“The new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit will enable the hospital to meet future demand in both areas and the appeal will enhance facilities and treatment spaces to make patient care even better.”

To find out more about the Emergency and Critical Care Appeal, visit www.dchcharity.org.uk, or email charity@dchft.nhs.uk.