FUNDRAISERS are being urged to get involved in Challenge Weymouth and raise money for a Dorset children’s hospice.

Organisers announced last week that Julia’s House will be the official charity partner at one of the country’s biggest triathlon events, which will be held in Dorset for the first time on September 14.

It provides a chance for athletes to enter the event for free in a bid to raise sponsorship money.

Organisers say it is set to be bigger and better than ever before – attracting an expected 1,500 athletes and an extra 5,000 visitors.

Event director Alan Rose told the Echo more than 900 people have already signed up.

The event is also attracting some of the top names in UK triathlons as well as entrants from overseas.

Places are still available for the Challenge Weymouth iron distance route which involves a 3.8km swim in Weymouth Bay, a 180km bike ride and a 42km run along the seafront and through the town centre. There is also the option to take part in the half triathlon.

Steve Mills, challenge and events fundraiser at Julia’s House Hospice, said: “We need to raise £3.9 million in 2014, yet we receive only 7.5 per cent of our total annual funding from the government.

“The rest of our essential income is raised through the generosity of the Dorset community, corporate partners and charitable foundations.

“While fundraising may be tough, it’s not as tough as the challenges facing Julia’s House families every day.”

He added: “Our nurses and carers provide life-changing support for parents and their children both in the hospice and in their own homes.”

Julia’s House is the first and only hospice in Dorset for children with life-limiting conditions. Fundraisers can enter the full distance triathlon and raise £1,000 in sponsorship for a full refund on the entry fee.

Half distance single entrants must raise £750 in sponsorship while team entry for the full distance requires £1,500 sponsorship and half distance needs £1,000.

All participants that sign up to support Julia’s House will also receive a team welcome pack, which will include fundraising pack, sponsor form and T-shirt or running vest.

All you need to do is enter Challenge Weymouth via challengeweymouth.com, and tick the ‘Julia’s House’ box.

The team at Julia’s House will be in touch to sort you out with your charity place.

For more information please visit juliashouse.org