A Dorset charity which gives financial assistance to local families struggling because of cancer has been able to appoint a manager, thanks to a mystery donor.

Lauren Thatcher joins Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) from this month to help the charity re-start its grant programme, which was put on hold by the pandemic.

The salary for Lauren’s full time position for the next two years will be paid by a donor, who approached the charity to offer help, but whom wishes to remain anonymous.

DCCF Chairman Chris Thomas, said: “The pandemic has been extremely tough for DCCF, as most of our grants to families are funded through our events.

“However, we aim to get back to giving financial assistance imminently, so, to be able to appoint an exceptional manager like Lauren to oversee this is a huge boost to DCCF.”

New manager Lauren has a background in aviation and worked as cabin crew for Ryanair and for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Last year, she spent six months nursing her terminally-ill mother through her own cancer battle.

She said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be working for such an amazing charity making a real difference to people’s lives.”