A family-owned specialist care company has been thanked after sponsoring a cancer charity’s coffee morning.

Apple House Ltd operates five homes across Dorset and Hampshire.

They provide residential care and support for adults with learning disabilities, including those with complex needs.

The company, which was founded 18 years ago by Jane and Guy Montrose, sponsored the latest charity coffee morning organised by the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

The event took place at Oriel on the Quay in Poole and raised more than £200.

The DCCF was set up ten years ago by three nurses from Poole.

It organises regular events to fund financial help for families experiencing cancer.

To date, its supporters have raised £672,000.

The funds have helped 773 Dorset people pay for everything from transport to and from hospital to utility bills, accommodation costs and counselling.

Jane said: “We became aware of the work of the DCCF through its Co-founder Eve Went and greatly admire how it helps local families which are struggling because of cancer.

“The DCCF is making a huge difference to the lives of cancer patients here in Dorset.

“At Apple House we recognise that cancer can also have a profound impact on those people within our community who may be living with a disability.

“Guy and I have lost dear friends and family to cancer so by supporting the DCCF it feels like we are making a difference to people’s lives in the communities we serve.”

Guy said: “Sponsoring the DCCF’s latest coffee morning has enabled us to meet some fascinating people, some of whom have gone through cancer themselves, as well as fellow DCCF fundraisers.

“We hope this will be the first of many opportunities Apple House Ltd has to support the charity.”

Di Bird, a Trustee of the DCCF said: “We are extremely grateful to Apple House Ltd for sponsoring our latest coffee morning.

“We simply would not be able to operate without the help of supporters like them.

“As with all the money raised for us, Apple House Ltd’s contribution will be awarded to a local person with cancer within a few short weeks.

“We hope other companies reading this will also contact us to find out how they can be involved.”

For details of the DCCF’s next coffee morning and further events, plus how to apply for financial assistance, visit dccf.co.uk or email [email protected].