AFC Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn said, “Due to the current situation our quarterly meetings, which discuss grant applications, cannot take place, therefore we wanted to ensure we allocated existing funding to five deserving charities. Lewis-Manning was chosen because it does such great work within the community but we realise that its fundraising streams and opportunities will have been affected at this time. Hopefully this donation can help during such a challenging period.”

From its new premises, at Longfleet Road, Poole, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care helps the people of Poole, Purbeck and East Dorset with life limiting illnesses. Its aim is to increase physical and social well-being, reduce isolation and loneliness, support people to stay in their homes longer, and alleviate the huge pressures on family and carers.

Chief executive at 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.

“We know it can’t be easy for AFC Bournemouth as they are missing out on the football match season and so its 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 its safe to do so, so they can see more about our work and where the funds go.”