Dorset Drafters is a cycling group that was formed in October 2023. We started with around 30 cyclists who enjoyed social rides, including local excursions and trips to farther destinations, all while indulging in plenty of chat and enjoying coffee and cake!

When discussing our charity efforts for 2025, we felt a strong connection to the expansion of Dorset County Hospital so we decided to support the Dorset County Hospital Charity's Emergency and Critical Care Appeal. To build upon our goal from 2024, we agreed to undertake a 'Moonshot' cycling challenge. The distance to the moon is approximately 230,000 miles—so that’s the target we intend to reach in 2025.

This challenge will take place throughout the year and will involve cumulative mileage from all our members. At the same time, individual members will set their own challenges, contributing to our overall fundraising total.

We smashed the 2024 challenge, and with your support we hope to do the same with our 2025 colossal attempt!

Pictured L- R: From Dorset Drafters, Andy Jones & Brian Stalker with Head of DCH Charity Simon Pearson at the Emergency & Critical Care Site Visit in February

The Need

There is currently insufficient Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit capacity at Dorset County Hospital to meet both current and future demand. The Emergency Department was built to accommodate 22,000 attendances; in 2021/22 attendances were 50,119. To meet patient demand, Dorset County Hospital will build a new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit which will significantly improve the hospital’s capacity and transform the experience of Emergency and Critical Care patients and their families.

The Appeal

Dorset County Hospital Charity has commenced a £2.5M Capital Appeal, to enhance patient care and staff welfare in the new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit. The Appeal is raising funds for enhanced facilities to make patient care and staff wellbeing even better. It will also fund artistically designed elements in both new units to help create a sympathetic and healing environment for the benefit of all.

What the DCH Charity Emergency and Critical Care Appeal will provide:

Emergency Department: Dedicated relatives’ room, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Suite, Improved staff welfare facilities, Uplifting art and design elements

Critical Care Unit: Paediatric bed space and equipment, Relatives’ overnight accommodation, Staff rest and quiet areas and overnight accommodation, Patient garden, Uplifting art and design elements