A CHARITY dinner in Melrose raised over £8,000 towards palliative care projects in Borders

Scottish charity PATCH - Palliation And The Caring Hospital - teamed up with local rugby legend Dobbie Weir for the awareness and fundraising dinner at the Townhouse Hotel.

The event, which was organised by the Friends of PATCH in the Borders, was a complete sell out.

Cash raised from ticket sales, an auction of a painting of the Eildons in Winter, donated by Scottish artist Alan Cameron, a silent auction and raffle will provide a boost for the work already done by the charity.

Dr Gordon Paterson, director of PATCH, said: “The first group of eight nurses commenced a course at the end of March and further courses are planned.

"Recent discussions between PATCH and officials of NHS Borders have identified a number of other areas of potential partnership working.

"It is very encouraging that the support and generosity of those who attended the dinner has provided funding for further joint work in the Borders.”

The silent auction lots included a British Lions rugby shirt autographed by Doddie Weir and by All Blacks celebrity Sean Fitzpatrick.

PATCH currently works in partnership with NHS Borders, St Columba's and Queen Margaret University to fund a training course to enhance the palliative and end of life care skills of a group of nurses working in a variety of care settings across the Borders.