More than £7,000 has been raised through an auction of two walk on parts in the popular ITV series Doc Martin, thanks to the star of the show, Martin Clunes.

The money will go towards supporting Weldmar Hospicecare.

Martin is a regular visitor to Weldmar's summer fete, held every September at the charity's inpatient unit in Dorchester, but for the second year running, the event had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As well as spending time with all the patients and posing for photographs, the actor also donates a walk on part on Doc Martin for the silent auction to help raise funds, and he kindly offered to provide two of the experiences to auction online instead.

The walk on part for an individual raised £2,450.50 and one for a couple raised £4,600, making a total of £7,050.50.

The successful bidders will get to spend time backstage and on the set during filming in Port Isaac before being able to appear on screen in the background of one of the scenes.

Matt Smith, director of fundraising and marketing, said: "We are extremely grateful to Martin Clunes for his continued support of Weldmar Hospicecare.

"It was a difficult decision to have to cancel the summer fete again this year because, as well as being an opportunity to enjoy a day with supporters and reconnect with a number of the families that we have supported, it is also one of our most important fundraising activities of the year.

"This generous offer to provide the experiences on Doc Martin has gone a long way in making up for that lost income, which will help us to continue outstanding end of life care in Dorset for any patient with a life limiting illness, and support for their loved ones."

Weldmar Hospicecare would also like to thank everybody who placed a bid in the auctions and is looking forward to the return of its summer fete in September 2022.

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