Auction for parts on Doc Martin raises money for Weldmar

Celebrity Martin Clunes donated two walk on parts on Doc Martin to be auctioned off to raise money for Weldmar Hospicecare, a specialist end of life care provider supporting people living in Dorset.

As a keen supporter of the charity, Mr Clunes regularly attends Weldmar's annual summer fete which has been cancelled for the last two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As an alternative way of fundraising for the charity, Mr Clunes donated the walk on parts - one for an individual and one for a couple.

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

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The successful bidders will get to spend time backstage and on the set during filming in Port Isaac in Cornwall before being able to appear on screen in the background of one of the scenes. They will also have the opportunity to meet the star of the show and take some photographs.

Martin Clunes is a regular attendee at the Weldmar Summer Fetes Picture: Weldmar Hospicecare

Matt Smith, director of fundraising and marketing at Weldmar, 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 providing outstanding end of life care in Dorset for any patient with a life-limiting illness and support for their loved ones."

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Mr Clunes and his wife have lived near Beaminster for the past two decades. The couple bought their own farm in 2007, which is home to numerous animals, including horses, Shetland ponies, dogs, Dexter cattle, sheep and hens.

For more information on Weldmar Hospicecare, visit www.weld-hospice.org.uk