STAFF and residents and Marlborough's Merlin Court Care Home raised more than £1,200 from a series of fundraising events to support Dignity Action Day.

Throughout February, the home joined dozens of other Avery care homes across the country, putting on afternoon teas, musical entertainment and a balloon release to raise funds for the National Dignity Council.

Merlin Court home manager, Hilary Harding, said: “Dignity is a fundamental right for everyone which is why Dignity Action Day is an important date in our calendar.

"The event is an annual opportunity for everyone to uphold people’s rights to dignity and for us here, at Merlin Court, to provide a memorable day for residents, families and visitors alike and raise money at the same time.

"We are extremely proud of our residents who invested so much time and effort to help raise such a large sum for this charity and we hope our fundraising efforts go some way in supporting the charity’s continued good work."

Dignity Action Day is an annual opportunity for health and social care workers and members of the public to come together to uphold people’s rights to dignity and provide a truly memorable day for those who use care services.

Jan Burns MBE, chairman of the National Dignity Council, said: "We are delighted that Avery Healthcare’s 45 homes supported Dignity Action Day and that all have Dignity Champions who raise awareness of what dignity means to each individual in their care.

"This fundraising cheque is the largest single donation we have ever received and will help us to continue our campaign to promote dignity as a human right, accessible by all.”