PEOPLE are being urged to put their best feet forward for a charity walk along the Jurassic Coast – to raise £100,000 for Dorset County Hospital.

The Dorchester hospital’s charity has launched the DCH100 – seeking more than 100 people to walk, jog, stagger or run one of a number of routes; over 100km, 75km, a Jurassic Marathon run, a 25km quarter, or a family-friendly 10km Bridport Loop, on May 18 and 19.

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 even have information and advice from a fitness trainer and a nutritionist, and a photographer will be on hand to snap those unforgettable moments climbing Golden Cap.

The event will raise money for the charity’s £2.5 million Appeal launched last September, running for three years.

DCH100 will help fund extra facilities for the new Critical Care Unit, such as relatives’ overnight accommodation and patient garden and an innovative Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit in the Emergency Department.

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

“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,” he said.

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“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 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.”

Simon Pearson, head of charity at DCH, said: “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.”

For more on the DCH100 Challenge, visit dchcharity.org.uk/dch100-challenge or email charity@dchft.nhs.uk.