MORE than £3,000 was raised at a charity race night in honour of a much-loved former Dorset police officer - with all of the funds to be donated to Dorset Echo’s Christmas Toy Appeal.
The fundraiser at Weymouth Angling Club on Saturday, November 13 was held in memory of Andrew Prowse, a long-time supporter of the cause to give deprived children across Dorset a toy to open on Christmas Day.
Mr Prowse was a police officer of 30 years who was well known in the community and supported many causes through his work including the Christmas Toy Appeal.
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The 70-year-old died suddenly after collapsing while on a short walk near his home in Southill last May.
His daughters Claire Quine and Natalie McMillian organised the fundraising event in his honour and said it had been a huge success.
Ms Quine said: “We never anticipated raising that much. We wanted to do something in memory of dad and something he supported - having previously handed over the cheque from Weymouth Rotary.
“It’s amazing, we have had a huge amount of support from local businesses and organisations who donated prizes and sponsored races, so thank you to them and everyone that came along.”
On the night those who won one of the races had the option to win cash or a mystery prize. Ms Quine says nearly every winner picked the prize, meaning even more funds for the appeal.
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Mr Prowse’s funeral took place in lockdown and so his daughter says the event was the perfect opportunity to offer a ‘nice tribute’ to their dad as well as raising funds.
Mr Prowse had been a big supporter of the toy appeal, which raises money to buy toys for deprived children in the county who may otherwise not have anything to open on Christmas Day.
Ms Quine added: “We wanted to support something he had a strong belief in and with it happening near to Christmas it was apt. He used to say ‘charity starts at home’ and I hope it’s something he is proud of.”
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As well as paying thanks to those who attended, and the companies who kindly donated prizes, Ms Quine thanked Mike Parker for running the races and the 'great staff' at Weymouth Angling Club.
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