A Bournemouth pub is combining a cider festival and a charity skydive to raise funds for the Macmillan Unit hospice in Christchurch.
The Cricketers Arms on Windham Road will host a Sausage and Cider Festival from 23 to 25 May this year, with live music, children’s activities, and fundraising opportunities including a raffle and auction.
Later in September, manager Patricia McKenna and 19 regulars from the pub will take part in a skydive to continue raising money for Macmillan Caring Locally, the charity that supports the hospice.
Patricia said the cause is deeply personal to many involved, explaining, “Many of us have had loved ones cared for there, including my father,” and added, “I was also diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 31.”
Lisa Vereenooghe, who is organising the skydive, lost both her parents at the Macmillan Unit within three months of each other in 2014 and praised the staff for their support.
Barry Wilson from Macmillan Caring Locally said, “We deeply appreciate the support from the Cricketers. Events and challenges like these are crucial in ensuring the future of our end-of-life care services within the community.”
The pub’s festival is open to the public, with details available on its Facebook page.