Running for Our Hospital — and Why It Matters to Us

Half a mile down the road from Poundbury sits one of our most vital neighbours: Dorset County Hospital. For many of us, it has been there at life's most critical moments — the late-night dash to A&E, the anxious wait while a loved one is in critical care, the reassurance of knowing excellent care is close at hand. Now, it's on the cusp of something exciting — and one Poundbury family is doing something extraordinary for it.

A once-in-a-generation transformation

Construction has begun on a brand new £100 million Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit at DCH — the largest investment in hospital facilities for West and North Dorset in 25 years. When complete in 2027, the new building will significantly expand both emergency and critical care capacity, introduce dedicated paediatric facilities, a rooftop helipad, and appropriate spaces for families at their most vulnerable. You can read more about it at dch charity.org.uk.

The DCH Charity is raising funds alongside the main build to provide important enhancements — specialist equipment and facilities that go above and beyond the core NHS programme. The local Poundbury Rotary Club is actively fundraising to help purchase life-saving equipment for the new unit, including items such as mobile ventilators and other specialist kit. Their fundraising page is here.

Three Parkers, 26.2 miles, and one very good idea

Enter Mark and Emma Parker of Parkers Property, and their daughter Ella. As Mark tells it: "Our daughter came up with a slightly crazy idea — why don't Mum, Dad and Ella run the Rome Marathon to raise money?"

A marathon has been on Emma's bucket list for thirty years. Ella decided she could fit training around her university studies. And Mark? Sometimes you just say yes. After logging around 400 training miles each, the Parker family fly to Rome this Friday and run the marathon on Sunday 22nd March — raising money for the Poundbury Rotary appeal in support of the new A&E unit.

They are almost at their £2,000 target. A small push from our community will get them there before they cross their own finish line.

Please help them reach their goal

If DCH has ever been there for you or someone you love, this is a wonderful chance to give something back — and to cheer on three of our own in the process.

👉 Donate to the Parkers' JustGiving page: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mark-parker-868

Good luck, Mark, Emma and Ella — Poundbury is behind you every step of the way!