Charity staff's 'round the world' challenge raises £10,000

LOCAL charity staff have helped raise more than £10,000 by achieving the equivalent of travelling around the world.

Workers at Julia’s House children’s hospice, which has shops in Christchurch and Bransgore, spent 92 days walking, running or cycling 24,900 miles to fundraise for its work with local youngsters who have life-limiting conditions.

The team’s combined mileage was added up each evening and plotted on a globe so they were aware of the landmark they virtually passed through.

On ‘arrival in Australia’ a Zoom meeting was arranged with Bear Cottage Children’s Hospice in Sydney, so the two hospice teams could chat and compare how their services had been affected by the pandemic.

Julia’s House carers Gemma Linford and Annie Earl co-ordinated the challenge after finding that colleagues wanted to support the charity during the lockdown.

Annie said: “As well as raising much needed funds for Julia’s House the challenge has had some tremendous benefits for our team’s physical and mental health.

“I’d like to say thank you to all who participated, to all who gave up so much of their time to collect the mileage each evening and to all who supported, encouraged and donated along the way.”

Mike Bartlett, Julia’s House deputy chief executive, added: “Covid-19 has had an enormous impact on Julia’s House, especially the vulnerable and isolated families we care for.

“It has brought us all together, however, as demonstrated by the incredible team of nurses and carers who spent their spare time helping to keep the charity going whilst other fundraising activities had to be cancelled. We are all in awe of their energy and enthusiasm to help others.”

In normal circumstances Julia’s House receives just 5% government funding in Dorset and none in Wiltshire, relying entirely on public fundraising, donations and Gifts in Wills to continue its support of local families.

To donate to the Around the World Global Fundraising Challenge visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gemma-linford2.