TASTY tunes and a delicious dish will raise money for a hospice charity.

And the owners of three Christchurch venues are urging more businesses to join them in supporting the Macmillan Unit hospice during its 50th anniversary year.

Jason Giddings and Dave Burns are owners of The Thomas Tripp and Bodega in Wick Lane, with Jason also a co-owner of Tuckton Tea Gardens.

The team at The Thomas Tripp and Bodega organise the popular Xchurch Music Festival and have chosen Macmillan Caring Locally (MCL) – the charity that supports the Mac Unit – as its main beneficiary for 2024.

Jason and Dave have also introduced Mac ‘n’ Cheese to the menu at the Thomas Tripp in honour of the unit, with £1 from each dish sold being handed to the cause.

Meanwhile, on October 13, the Tuckton Tea Gardens recently hosted the charity’s inaugural Light up the Sky event, in memory of people who have been cared for by the hospice.

“The Mac Unit means a lot to a lot of people in Christchurch, including members of our staff and loyal customers,” said Jason.

“We will do whatever we can do to drum up extra support for such a deserving charity.”

The Mac Unit is in the grounds of Christchurch Hospital and has provided end-of-life care to thousands of people since it was founded in 1974.

“The Mac Unit is a real haven for the patients and families it supports,” Dave added.

“We are very proud at the Tripp, Bodega, and the Xchurch Music Festival to be supporting such a great cause.

“Some of the team from Macmillan Caring Locally came along to try out the Mac ‘n’ Cheese at our launch and gave it their seal of approval.

“We now hope other businesses will come on board with fundraising and support the unit during its golden anniversary year too.”

The charity is setting aside money in a bid to build a new unit

One of the charity’s fundraising campaigns – the Brick by Brick Appeal – is aiming to raise £12 million to build a new unit.

Neal Williams, trust secretary of Macmillan Caring Locally, said: “Dave, Jason, and their fabulous businesses, are, like the Mac Unit, part of the fabric of life in Christchurch, and we are immensely grateful for their support.

“During 2024, we will be looking back at what the Unit has achieved and forward to what it can become, with the help of sponsorship and fundraising.

“The guys’ support, together with that of other local businesses, will be key to our success.

“We hope to hear from other companies who may be able to support us in any way they can, from one-off fundraising events, to taking us as their charity of the year or becoming a Golden Partner.”

Businesses, groups, and organisations forming a Golden Partnership with Macmillan Caring Locally can take advantage of a host of branding, marketing and staff engagement and volunteering opportunities.

For more information, email Lin@macmillanlocal.org or call 01202 477628.

Tickets for the Xchurch Music Festival go on sale on November 30 via www.xchurchmusicfestival.co.uk.