A WAR veteran who suffers from cancer has told his story in a bid to encourage Dorset Echo readers to take part in a campaign.

Gordon Berryman, 87, uses the day care centre at the Joseph Weld Hospice every week.

His wife Gwen died of leukaemia 14 months ago.

Mr Berryman, who lives in Charminster, said: “I come to the hospice every Wednesday and I enjoy it very much.

“They come and collect me from my flat, and take me home again.

“I can do a bit of reading, and have a dinner, and talk to the staff. They are all very good.”

Mr Berryman is supporting the charity’s Go for Gold campaign, which is backed by the Dorset Echo.

The campaign has seen Weldmar staff, service users and kind-hearted members of the public challenge themselves to raise money through sponsorship.

But more fundraisers are needed to help the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust reach more people across the county.

Mr Berryman said: “My wife spent her last Christmas in the hospice.

“We knew what the prognosis was. There is no cure.”

He added: “We had a lot of help from the charity.

“I served in the war and I’m no stranger to death but it is not pleasant, watching someone die.

“It is very reassuring that services like Weldmar are here.

“I have to accept that there are some things I can’t do anymore, but the staff really respect one’s dignity. It is a wonderful service.”

* TO do your bit to raise money for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust call 01305 261800 or visit www.weld-hospice.org.uk/goforgold