TWENTY Dorset County Hospital staff are striding ahead with fundraising for refurbishments to the hospital’s children’s ward.

A large group of staff will be taking on the challenge of a 10 or 20-mile sponsored circular walk from Maiden Castle to raise money for vital development of the ward.

The planned works will include providing a bigger High Dependency Unit in the hospital’s Kingfisher Ward so that fewer young patients will have to travel to Southampton for treatment.

The short walking route includes Hardy's Monument and Corton Farm and the long route also takes in Abbotsbury and Corton Farm.

Staff said they wanted to make children and families aware of the team’s fundraising efforts for the ward which they say will ultimately benefit patients.

Nursing assistant Brie Purse said: “There will be a lot of families that use us and we provide an important service for a large area. The total cost of the refurbishment is £300,000 plus and we would like to raise as much as possible to help with the cost.”

She added: “It will be a good team building exercise but we also want people to have fun and enjoy themselves while doing the walk.”

The team have raised more than £150 so far but are reaching out to people the ward has helped to improve the service the hospital provides for future patients.

Ward sister Hilary Brockle-hurst said: “It’s definitely something we don’t usually do. Some people have done some walking to prepare for the day, some none. We want everyone to have a good time and hope it won’t rain.”

“We are encouraging any and all donations for such an important cause.”

To donate to the cause, visit virginmoneygiving.com/team/ Teamkingfisher