Dorset fundraisers: Portland Port staff take on triathlon (From Thisisdorset)

Dorset fundraisers: Portland Port staff take on triathlon

5:30pm Tuesday 14th August 2012 in Latest

Staff at Portland Port took on the 38-mile challenge by land and sea to raise money for two charities.

The Portland Port Triathlon saw two teams compete in a five-mile kayak, an eight-mile hike and a 25-mile mountain bike ride.

The eight competitors who took part reached the finish line of Portland Port in just over eight hours after battling mud, wind and hills.

The two local charities supported were Julia’s House children’s hospice and Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

The teams have raised £1,500 with another £500 to go before they reach their target amount. Amanda Milner, commercial sales manager at Portland Port said: “We are so close to achieving our sponsorship target; it would be great if local people could help us reach £2,000.” Portland Harbour was previously a naval dockyard and is now a thriving commercial facility and is an ideal location for all boats from small yachts to large ocean liners.

Ian McQuade, general commercial manager said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have already sponsored us. Also, a special thanks to Weymouth Watersports for supplying the kayaks, Weymouth Bike Hire, Moonfleet Manor Hotel and finally The Royal Breakwater Hotel for providing a superb buffet at the end of the challenge.”

Concert and sale give £1,250 boost

A BRASS band concert and a tabletop sale coffee morning raised £1,250 for two charities.

The events were organised by Cotton & Son Funeral Directors, of Weymouth, to celebrate the company’s centenary this year.

Half of the funds raised – more than £600 – have been donated to the West Dorset Breast Cancer Care Support Group.

This was the chosen charity of cancer survivor Margaret Sherratt, who works at the funeral directors.

Margaret Sheratt said: “I raise monies for The West Dorset Breast Cancer Care Support Group because when I was having treatment, the care of the Breast Care nurses and the staff in the Chemotherapy department was brilliant, nothing was too much trouble.

“I know it’s important to send monies to the Breast Cancer Charity for research, but I feel it’s also so important to give locally for the ladies who are going through treatment now, to help in some way and maybe make it less traumatic.”

The other half of the money raised was donated to the Prostate Cancer Network’s Dorset Group, in memory of former funeral boss Peter Cotton.

The business was founded by Mr Cotton’s grandfather in 1912.

The Prostate Cancer Network was chosen to receive funding by Mr Cotton’s widower, Jane, who said she hoped the money donated would help increase awareness and early detection.

The company hopes to hold some more fundraising events and a service in the autumn to mark its 110 year anniversary.