A VOLUNTEER for Bournemouth Hospital is facing her fears to raise funds for the dementia and stroke wards.

After volunteering for seven years in Bournemouth Hospital in the strokes and dementia wards, Valerie has decided to face her fear of swimming to help raise funds for both departments.

Valerie would bring her dog, Paws, a German Shepperd and Border Collie cross, to the hospital as a therapy dog for patients, however, Paws retired in December 2023.

Fundraising for a chosen charity every year, Valerie has chosen to help the wards once more by trying to raise £1066.

Valerie said: "It was seven years with the dog through Pets with Therapy that we started in the stroke unit. It wasn't formalised therapy, we would go in and he'd play with the patients and it was more wellbeing. 

"We used to have to meet in the day room but the dementia ward got permission to have Paws in and we started going around the ward."

"He was twelve when he retired and it was getting too much for him."

Describing the experience as 'terrifying', she began lessons in April and explained that she never learnt as a child as her parents couldn't swim either.

As part of the fundraiser, Valerie has also begun a series of walks from her home in Alderholt to Poole Hospital and then from Poole Hospital to Bournemouth Hospital.

She said: "When I was at school in the seventies you didn't have swimming lessons so I had to start learning as an adult.

"I'm only getting half an hour a week and my teacher has progressed me quite well but I need more time in the pool."

Already completing the first half of the walks, she plans to walk from Poole Hospital to Bournemouth Hospital on September 27.

Over the last two years, Valerie has raised £1,887 for charity.

She said: "Paws absolutely loved being at the hospital.

"He used to pull me down around the lake because he couldn't wait to go in there and have all the cuddles.

To donate or to learn more, visit Valerie's JustGiving page.