People are being invited to help raise money for Dorset County Hospital (DCH) whilst also getting fit and having fun.

The charity branch of the hospital in Dorchester is looking for people to join the DCH100 Jurassic Coast Challenge  in aid of its Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit Appeal at Dorset County Hospital. 

The fun run is open to everyone with no restriction on age or experience and will take place over the weekend of May 18 and 19.

Participants can walk, jog, stagger or run along the Jurassic Coast as the appeal looks to raise  £100,000.

Alongside the full 100km challenge, there is a 75km run, a Jurassic Marathon run, a 50km half challenge, a 25km quarter run, or the family friendly 10km Bridport Loop.

The DCH100 team is led  by Michael Dooley DL, a former DCH consultant, who aims to walk 100km non-stop.

He said: “I am so pleased to be able to support the DCH100 Jurassic Coast Challenge with our aim to raise £100,000 for the Emergency and Critical Care Appeal. Funds raised will be used to offer so much to so many.

“There are a variety of ways you can help and get involved.

"We can each achieve our own personal goal, come together as a community and help Dorset County Hospital to continue to provide exceptional care.

"I hope that by getting involved and enjoying the challenge together, we can do our bit to create health and harmony in our community.

"Together we can make a lasting impact and let's lace up our shoes not just for fitness but to help this wonderful cause.”

Starting from Corfe Castle, the route heads past Durdle Door, with ups and downs to West Bay’s famous cliffs, before the finish line at Bridport

The DCH100 team will also have information and advice from a fitness trainer and a nutritionist, and a photographer will be on hand to snap those unforgettable moments of climbing the Golden Cap.

The new multi million pound development of the emergency department and critical care unit has already begun after funding from the government’s New Hospital Programme.

But the DCH Charity appeal is aiming to raise £2.5million over three years to fund extra facilities for the new critical care unit, such as relatives’ overnight accommodation, and a patient garden, as well as an innovative child and adolescent mental health unit in the emergency department.

It will also fund artistically designed elements in both new units to help create a sympathetic and healing environment for the benefit of all.

Simon Pearson, head of charity at DCH added: “Our emergency and critical care appeal is our biggest ever fundraising appeal.

"To make this appeal successful we need the valued support of our local community. The DCH100 Jurassic Coast Challenge provides a tremendous opportunity to raise significant funds in support of the new emergency department and critical care unit.

"We’re all very excited and thank Michael Dooley for his inspiration and commitment and everyone who steps up to the challenge.”

To find out more about supporting the DCH100 Challenge in aid of the DCH Emergency and Critical Care Appeal please visit https://dchcharity.org.uk/dch100-challenge/ or email charity@dchft.nhs.uk.