The Ferndown branch of U3A has raised more than £3,000 for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care after the charity was nominated as its ‘charity of the year’.

U3A is a UK-wide collection of 1000+ charities that provide the opportunity for those no longer in work to come together and learn for fun.
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care trustee Tim Lee, who is also a U3A member, said: “I put the charity forward for consideration and was ecstatic that the members chose it as its ‘Charity of the Year’, particularly fitting considering that it was in Lewis-Manning’s 30th anniversary year.”

Ferndown U3A member and Ferndown town crier, Mike Andrews pledged to walk 1,000 miles to raise funds.
Mike asked members to sponsor him 1p per mile. By the end of his challenge, he had completed an incredible 1,650 miles and many supporters were very generous and donated an additional £6.50 each. Alongside the sponsored walk initiative, Mike organised and hosted a community quiz raising an impressive £2,321.59 in total.

In addition to Mike’s fundraising, U3A Green Fingers Group raised £310 by hosting a plant sale, whilst other general donations and collection boxes raised almost £600.
Tim Lee added: “All of U3A’s fabulous fundraising throughout the year has meant that the overall total raised was an amazing £3,230, a wonderful amount and it will make such a positive difference to the lives of our patients and their families in East Dorset & Purbeck and will allow the hospice to provide care for so many people in the community.”
“Lots of members have said they want to continue their support for Lewis-Manning. “We’re also doing a campaign amongst members to ask people to declutter and donate to Lewis-Manning’s charity shops.”