MUNGO Jerry frontman Ray Dorset has put his support behind a fundraising challenge on Portland for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The In The Summertime singer threw his weight behind serial fundraiser Wayne Ingram, from Portland, as he prepares to spend seven days and nights in a life raft in Portland Harbour in May.

He was at Portland Marina with Wayne and the raft yesterday as the marina prepares itself for a busy weekend with the Fish and Ships Festival today and tomorrow.

Ray explained how his relationship with Wayne began.

He said: “I got a ring from one of the guys at the Chelsea Lodge, which is in London, which is one of the Freemason HQs and they said that Wayne was doing this project.

“I live in Bournemouth so I gave him a call and we had a good long chat.”

Ray has given Wayne the 1970 hit In The Summertime to use as the theme song to help promote the event.

Wayne is happy to have Ray’s support.

He said: “It’s amazing that he’s doing this for me. To have someone of his calibre support this is like a dream come true.”

Ray has been impressed with what Wayne has done in the past and is doing now.

He said: “Wayne’s told me about all of the stuff he’s done in the other countries. I’d love to go and do these sorts of things but I’m too old.

“I just want to raise awareness for Wayne and his project and hopefully they can raise some good money for the cause.”

Also hoping to raise money is Fish and Ships Festival at Portland Marina this weekend.

There will be events including a raft race, demonstrations from the likes of the Crab House Café, a raffle and many more activities.

Wayne will be at Fish and Ships today promoting the challenge.

The not-for-profit event is hoping to raise money for Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and Julia’s House.

Penny Hopkins from marina owners Dean and Reddyhoff said: “We started it last year really just to make people aware that it is open after the Olympics.

“All the food and drink products are from Dorset and it’s about getting people on the water as well.”

Dean and Reddyhoff has also been supporting Wayne’s challenge as well, with the launch yesterday coinciding with the conclusion of a charity cycle to raise money for Great Ormond Street and start off the festival.

Wayne will be surviving solo in his life raft in Portland Harbour between May 18 and 25 and anyone hoping to donate can go to: www.justgiving.com/Wayne-Ingram-Fundraising