TWO hotels in Bournemouth devastated that a respite holiday retreat for patients with life threatening illnesses could close for good, have donated vital funds to a cancer charity.

Bournemouth Echo:

Rosie Radwell, Barry Wilson and Theo Iakimov

Palliative care charity Macmillan Caring Locally subsidises the Grove Hotel in East Cliff, which is the only hotel in the UK catering for patients with life limiting illnesses and their families.
With the majority of guests being medically vulnerable, The Grove has been unable to reopen since lockdown
Macmillan Caring Locally has been hit with significant losses and with the threat to funding for the hospice, charity trustees are considering permanent closure of the hotel.
Now neighbouring hoteliers, Hotel Miramar and The Marsham Court Hotel are raising funds for Macmillan Caring Locally, which is maintaining its specialist palliative care for patients with cancer and life limiting illnesses at the Macmillan Unit in Christchurch.

The charity has launched a £12m funding campaign, Brick by Brick, to rebuild the Macmillan Unit, which is vital to continue the services.
Manager of Hotel Miramar Theo Iakimov said: "We were devastated to hear of the hotel's closure, it is sad for the team who work there and of course the guests and patients who have enjoyed the exceptional service and care provided.
"Many hotels are in a precarious position, and for those of us who are surviving the coronavirus pandemic, we wanted to play our part and do what we can to help.
"We already have a voluntary contribution from guests of £1 added to their bill for our nominated charity. However, for this particular cause, we as a business will be donating £1 for every overnight booking made."
And the Marsham Court Hotel has donated £350 to the scheme. 
Managing director Rosie Radwell said: "It is heartbreaking to see any reputable hotel close and as an industry, we are all facing considerable challenges. 
"We are currently experiencing a busy summer season with bookings rising. However, we have had to take the difficult decision to close our hotel for the winter period.
"Our guests have contributed to the collection for Macmillan Caring Locally and hopefully other hoteliers will join us so that the Macmillan Unit can continue with their excellent work."
Macmillan Caring Locally community and events fundraiser Barry Wilson said: "Charities are having a tough time all round and we are immensely grateful to all our supporters and fundraisers for their continued support, including the hoteliers who are generously helping out with valuable contributions.
"Literally every penny and pound count as we are a small, community charity not connected in any way to the national charity Macmillan Cancer Support. We give heartfelt thanks to Hotel Miramar and the Marsham Court Hotel."
To find out more about the Macmillan Caring Locally Brick by Brick appeal or to make a donation visit www.macmillanlocal.org/make-a-donation/