Dorset pack raises £6k for children’s charity

A Dorset trail-hunting group has raised thousands of pounds for Julia’s House, a hospice that helps children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. 

The Portman Hunt, based in Blandford, has raised £6,400 during the 2022-2023 trail-hunting season through fundraising activities such as collections at the hunt ball, point-to-points, country shows and horse trials. 

Edwards Hurst, hunt secretary of the Portman, said: “We are so impressed and inspired by the amazing work of Julia’s House, which provides an absolute lifeline for families coping with a child who has a life-limiting condition. As a community, we wanted to get behind them and support the remarkable work they do.”

The hospice currently supports over 200 families. Amanda Gillet, Julia’s House community fundraiser, said: “We are hugely grateful for the support this year from the Portman Hunt. We rely on the generosity of the local community for over 90 per cent of our fundraising to help us provide our vital care. Every penny that has been raised will make a life-changing difference.”