Help needed to fund mini-bus for cancer patients staying in Bournemouth

The Grove, Bournemouth’s unique hotel dedicated to cancer patients allows guests to make unforgettable memories while on holiday.

Since its inception, The Grove Hotel on Gervis Road in Bournemouth has provided a much-needed retreat for those with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. Providing many free services, including a beach hut, the hotel strives to ensure its guests, for whom many it may be their last holiday, are able to make fantastic lasting memories with their loved ones.

One such service the not-for-profit hotel has provided its guests is a free mini-bus service, enabling their guests to travel to many of Dorset’s most-loved tourist attractions for free. However, after many years of good use, The Grove’s current minibus is no longer road-worthy.

Run by a local charity, Macmillan Caring Locally, The Grove is now appealing for the support of the local community to help get them back on the road and creating memories again.

Hilary, a guest who stayed at The Grove last summer said: “My husband and I stayed at this wonderful hotel following radiotherapy treatment in April 2015. We especially enjoyed some outings on the hotel mini bus to the New Forest and surrounding areas; it was good to leave the car behind and not worry about finding our way or having to find somewhere to park. As such a highlight of our stay, it would be a great shame if The Grove were no longer able to provide this service. I would like to encourage everyone to give what they can.”

The Grove Bournemouth has its own Just Giving page where it is encouraging people to visit if they would like to contribute to the cause. Those who desire can donate via this page and leave a note to let The Grove know that they would like the money to go towards the minibus.

Manager of The Grove, Brenden Howard, said: “The minibus has been one of our guests’ favourite services. Not being able to use it on a regular basis, it’s really been missed this summer. The service provides an ideal way for our guests, who may struggle otherwise, to get out and explore Dorset and The New Forest for free. As a not-for-profit hotel, our budget is particularly limited and as such all donations are greatly appreciated.”

Those who would like to leave a donation to help fund a new minibus for The Grove can by visiting: www.justgiving.com/remember/87448/The%20Grove-Bournemouth

For more information about The Grove Bournemouth visit: www.thegrovebournemouth.co.uk