YOUNG farmers from Dorset raised money for the county hospital as a thank you for caring for their county organiser. 

Dorset County Hospital received £600 from Dorset YFC earlier this month, after the young farmers raised the funds at their Entertainments Evening in December 2023.

Tracey Hounsome, county organiser of the club, received a breast cancer diagnosis at the end of last year. Tracy and her colleagues wanted to say thank you to Vivien Ng, breast care surgeon, and all the team who looked after her during her treatment.

“The support from everyone at the Breast Cancer Unit was amazing, from my surgeon to the cancer nurses, they were always friendly and approachable at every step of my care, with follow ups after each surgery and continued support thereafter," Tracy said.

"I would urge anyone who is asked to go for a Mammogram to do so, this was how my diagnosis was found, no lumps or bumps - it is so important, and a few minutes out of your day is nothing compared to the outcomes.  I was lucky that everything was found so early and that the Breast Cancer Team was supporting me straight away.“

The donation was made by Tracy, Amy Wonnacott, county chairman, and Andy Seare, county president of Dorset YFC.

The young farmers also presented the team with a hamper.

Vicky Hunt, Dorset County Hospital fundraising officer, said: “It was great to meet Tracy, Amy and Andy and to introduce them to the Dorset County Hospital team who had helped look after Tracy while she was receiving treatment.

"Our staff were very grateful for the donation and also the amazing hamper which will be shared with staff and patients on the Unit.”

Dorset YFC also supported the hospital's Greatest Needs Appeal in 2023.