A DORSET farmer has selflessly donated nearly £8,000 to a hospital department in memory of his late wife.

Philip Trim gave £7,500 of his earnings to the radiotherapy department at University Hospitals Dorset in thanks to the care his wife received while undergoing treatment which he described as ‘exceptional’.

He raised £7,500 in August 2023 from Throop Hollow Farm, which he opened as a pop-up campsite during the summer.

In recent years, Philip has raised more than £70,000 for University Hospitals Dorset’s various cancer-related departments and teams.

Philip said: “We experienced the services, treatments and care by the Dorset Cancer Centre when my wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“Jane’s wish was to use our vintage tractor to fundraise and give something back to the system that had taken care of her and gave us as a family the support we needed during that time.

“In the last five years we have raised over £70,000 which has been donated to The Sandbanks Ward, The Lung Club and the Surface Guided Radiotherapy Equipment fund.

“This money was raised by running two events called The Purbeck Coast Tractor Run; and over the last four years, we have opened our farm during August for camping.

“On the campsite, we offer tractor and trailer rides around our farm for small donations, and we also have a great relationship with a local metal detecting club, who use our farmland and local farms around us, also fundraise and generously donate to the charity pot.

“Our son Ben and I are delighted to have raised so much money for local cancer services and fulfil Janes wish.

“We are continuing our fundraising efforts for cancer services at Poole Hospital with our vintage tractor this summer at Throop Hollow Farm.”

Hayley Harris, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity corporate fundraiser, said: “We are incredibly moved and thankful for Philip's generosity.

“His fundraising is a beautiful tribute to Jane's memory and the compassionate care she received at Poole Hospital.

“His amazing contribution will make a real difference in enhancing the patient experience for those undergoing cancer treatment and their loved ones across our community.

“We honestly can't thank Philip and Philip Trim Contractors enough for their outstanding support over the years.”

Donations to UHD can be made on the University Hospitals Dorset website.