A summer of camping in aid of cancer centre

A local Dorset farmer has raised £11,000 for Poole Hospital’s Dorset Cancer Centre.

Philip Trim, local farmer and owner of Philip Trim Contractors, opened Throop Hollow Farm as a pop-up campsite for five weeks over the summer to raise funds in memory of his wife Jane, who was cared for with lung cancer and passed away in the hospital two years ago.

The money will be used to purchase radiotherapy EagleBoards following recent government commissioning for the hospital to deliver stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy treatment (SABR) to help treat lung cancer. SABR provides treatment avoiding damaging any surrounding tissue and eliminates the need for invasive surgery.

EagleBoards support patients to stay in one position. They increase comfort and significantly improve the way staff can position patients during treatment. They also help improve the accuracy of treatment delivery.

Dr Michael Bayne, consultant in oncology, said: “We are extremely grateful for the effort Philip and his son Ben have put in to raise this money in memory of his wife who was incredibly resilient through her treatment for lung cancer two years ago.

“Currently patients have to travel to Southampton for SABR treatment. Funding for this equipment brings us a step closer to delivering this treatment in Poole and saving time and inconvenience for patients and a time in their lives when that really matters.”

Donations came from hosting a range of fundraising events across the summer including tractor and trailer rides around the farm, a private event for a local metal detecting club, live music, charity breakfasts and a raffle.

Cleaners were on site to ensure facilities were kept clean and sanitised, and posters were displayed to encourage people to follow the government guidelines.

Philip said: “Guests were extremely generous. When we didn’t have change to give them for their purchases, they would tell us to keep it as they knew the money was going to something close to my heart.”

Julie Foote, from Philip Trim Contractors, added: “We had planned to hold the Purbeck Coast Tractor Run which we did last year, however Covid-19 prevented this.

“We have two large fields that had been cut for hay so we thought setting up the campsite would give campers the chance to get away from the pandemic and have a break in our beautiful countryside.”

Next year Philip plans to hold the pop-up campsite again for a few weekends in early summer to host different events, and the main campsite in August.

Hayley Harris, community fundraiser for Poole Hospital Charity, said: “The charity and the hospital are extremely thankful for the amount raised for the Dorset Cancer Centre in memory of Jane.

“It was an absolute pleasure to meet with Philip and Ben and we look forward to supporting them again with their future fundraising events.”