A MARIE Curie fundraising group set up in Verwood and Ferndown this time last year has already raised £13,235 since it launched.

The funds raised include more than £4,000 collected for the Great Daffodil Appeal and Christmas collections, and £2,190 raised at a Blooming Great Tea Party.

Another fundraiser saw group members serving customers at a local pub, and the team have already been selling Christmas cards, books and teddies at venues around the towns.

Chairman Jane Shappard, who held two fundraising events in her home this year to raise more than £3,000 for the group, said: “Marie Curie does so much to help people in our community, and we are all delighted to give something back.”

As well as raising funds, the group aims to inform the community about Marie Curie Cancer Care’s local nursing at home care service.

The charity has created a new volunteer post in Dorset for a community ambassador who will spread the word about their work.

“I’m delighted to be appointed to the position,” said Jacqueline Moss, who is one of the new ambassadors.

“When I lost my mother I wanted to give something back.

“It’s my job to raise awareness of what Marie Curie does – and how it can help not just the patient, but their wider family too – by going out into the community to give talks for free.”

For more information, email Jacqueline Moss at jacqueline.moss@mariecurie.org.uk.