FUNDRAISERS for a Dorset children’s hospice will be among the thousands of runners hitting the roads of London this weekend.

Seven runners for Julia’s House will join the likes of Mo Farah and thousands of charity runners as they take on the capital city marathon on Sunday.

The charity’s runners include two members of staff – manager of the Julia’s House Dorchester shop Helen Hodgetts and challenge events fundraiser Steve Mills.

Steve will be wearing a specially designed running vest for the occasions, which is covered in colourful butterflies to reflect the symbol of the children’s hospice movement.

He said: “Butterflies are beautiful, fragile creatures, with short life spans, just like the children Julia’s House cares for.

“Thinking of them and their families has certainly pushed me to train in the rain and dark this winter.”

In the build up to the 26-mile run the Julia’s House team has been able to take advantage of expert training tips and advice from the charity’s patron – former Olympian and Commonwealth marathon medallist Liz Yelling.

For Steve the London Marathon will not be the end of his fundraising efforts this year as he also plans to take part in the Ox Half Marathon off-road race, a skydive, the Dorset Doddle 32-mile walk, an abseil, the marathon leg of Challenge Weymouth and the Bournemouth Marathon Festival’s 10km race.

Anyone inspired by Steve and the team’s fundraising efforts can also get involved in a wide range of events to support Julia’s House.

Upcoming events include the London Nightrider cycle, Weymouth Triathlon, parachute jumps, an abseil and the Superhero Night Walk along Bournemouth seafront.

Details of all the events are available at juliashouse.org To sponsor Steve or Helen in their marathon efforts visit justgiving.com/SteveMills-JuliasHouse or http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/helenhodgetts2