Lewis-Manning Hospice Care faces £5,000 repair bill after Poole shop break-ins
Dorset’s independent hospice charity Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is appealing for community support after its Poole shop was targeted in two break-ins within just a few weeks.
The Lewis-Manning shop in Poole was broken into on 30 August and again on 15 September, with thieves smashing doors and breaking locks to gain entry.
Electronics, donated goods and cash from a donation box were stolen, leaving the charity facing an estimated £5,000 bill for repairs.
For Lewis-Manning, the financial impact goes far beyond the cost of fixing a door. The charity says the £5,000 could instead fund places for two patients on its 12-week Hospice Health and Wellbeing programme, or provide more than six weeks of clinical supplies, including compression garments and equipment to help patients experiencing breathlessness.
Sally Wilsher, shop manager at Lewis-Manning’s Poole shop, said the team was devastated to see the shop targeted twice.
“The purpose of our shop is purely to provide essential funds for the Lewis-Manning charity and ultimately to support the Dorset community. The impact of these break-ins is felt across the entire organisation, so it is devastating to see thousands of pounds poured into repairing damage when that money could help local families.”
She added that the shop team works hard to create an enjoyable experience for customers and would be grateful for any support the local community can offer.
Lewis-Manning is appealing for donations and practical assistance to help complete the repairs as quickly as possible. The charity is also investing in increased security measures to help prevent further incidents.
How you can help
Anyone wishing to support the Poole shop repair appeal can make a donation through the charity’s JustGiving campaign:
Support the Lewis-Manning Poole Shop Repair Appeal
Every donation can help ensure more of the money raised through Lewis-Manning’s shops reaches the people and families who rely on its care.
New patron to champion hospice care across Dorset
Against this challenging backdrop, Lewis-Manning is also celebrating the appointment of Paul Lester CBE as its new patron.
The well-known business leader has supported the charity since 2020, helping with fundraising auctions and events, sharing his business experience and introducing Lewis-Manning to people within his personal and professional networks.
His support has also included helping the charity’s own staff. In 2023, Paul and his daughter Kate invited a group of Lewis-Manning carers to spend an afternoon together on a boat in Poole Harbour, giving those who spend their working lives caring for others the chance to relax and enjoy some well-earned time away.
Paul says hospice care is particularly close to his heart after seeing members of his own family receive palliative care.
“Having seen members of my own family receive palliative care, I know the difference compassionate care can make, not only to the person living with illness but to everyone around them,” he said.
He added that he had been inspired by the “warmth, dedication and ambition” of the Lewis-Manning team.
“Becoming a patron feels like a natural next step,” Paul said. “I look forward to continuing to champion Lewis-Manning, helping to open new doors, and introducing more people to a charity that deserves our community’s support.”
Paul brings extensive senior business experience to the role and is currently Chairman of McCarthy & Stone, CC Infrastructure Services and Praesidiad. He has previously held senior positions with VT Group plc, Balfour Beatty plc and Graseby plc.
Lewis-Manning Chief Executive Clare Gallie said Paul had contributed much more than his name during his six years of support.
“We are delighted to welcome Paul as a patron and look forward to continuing to work with him to raise awareness of hospice care and reach more people across Dorset,” she said.
Lewis-Manning rated Outstanding by the CQC
The charity also has further reason to celebrate after being awarded an Outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the first time.
Following an unannounced inspection in April, inspectors praised Lewis-Manning’s care as “exceptionally caring” and “exceptionally responsive”, highlighting the charity as an example of outstanding practice for other hospices.
The rating recognises the impact of Lewis-Manning’s work across Dorset. More than 1,450 people accessed its support last year, with services helping patients manage symptoms, maintain independence and stay well at home.
Inspectors found that people were “truly respected and valued as individuals”, with one patient describing their experience as feeling like being “wrapped in a cloud of warmth and happiness”.
Clare Gallie described the Outstanding rating as a “landmark moment”, recognising the dedication of Lewis-Manning’s staff, volunteers, supporters and the wider Dorset community.
Caring for more than 1,200 people across Dorset
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care provides free, person-centred care to local people living with life-limiting illnesses, alongside support for their families and carers.
Its teams provide care at home, virtually and through local hubs across Dorset, helping people to live well through illness rather than focusing solely on end-of-life care.
The charity supports more than 1,200 people each year, while NHS funding accounts for just 12% of its income. This makes donations, fundraising, retail income and support from local businesses and community groups essential to maintaining its services.
From the volunteers working in its shops to the clinical teams supporting patients in their own homes, Lewis-Manning’s work relies on the generosity of the Dorset community.
And as the charity deals with the aftermath of the Poole shop break-ins, its appeal is a simple one: help turn an act of damage into an opportunity for the community to come together and support local hospice care.
