A DEDICATED couple are calling for people to sign up for their annual fundraiser.

Roger and Nina Hanger, from Weymouth, have raised more than £200,000 for charity over the last 21 years through their charity Hangers Heroes.

The couple will be holding a running and walking event next month to raise money and awareness for five local charities.

Heroes Challenge will take place around Abbotsbury, the Fleet and Hardy’s Monument this Saturday.

Nina said: “At the moment we have got about 60 people signed up for the walk and about ten for the run.

“This will be the second year we we have done the run so the numbers are still building up.

“We will accept entries right up to the day so there’s still plenty of time to get involved.

“There’s always a great atmosphere on the day because it’s quite a small, friendly event.

“We have regular walkers who come back every year.”

The fundraiser will be supporting Stella Hayward riding for the disabled, Friends of the M.V. Freedom, Dorset Search and Rescue, Westfield Arts College and The Front skate park. Paralympic sailor Helena Lucas will start the walk and run events.

Nina said: “Helena has very kindly agreed to come and get everyone started and give us some encouragement on the day, which is great.

“We’re raising money for five local charities, some of them we have supported for several years now and our charity’s aim is to raise awareness and funds for the really small groups or charities.

“This is our main fundraising event which happens every year.

“It’s been upgraded to a full marathon length and there’s a half marathon distance as well.

“The run and walk will basically do the same route but we try not to get them tangled up.”

Roger was diagnosed with polio at the age of five and told he would never walk again at the age of seven.

The lifelong condition can affect the spinal column and can lead to disability, paralysis and other complications.

But Roger proved the doctors wrong and walking has become one of his passions. Visit hangersheroes.co.uk for details.