Staff and the local community are sprinting ahead to raise money for Dorset County Hospital.

The charity team have organised three fundraising events - all set to take place next month - to raise vital funds for the hospital.

The first opportunity to take part is a 100km Challenge, in which people are being encouraged to walk, run, cycle or swim 100km in July to raise funds for the charity.​

Expectations have been set high to compete with last year's total of more than £5,700, raised by staff and the local community taking part in a similar event to mark the 70th birthday of the NHS.

The DCH Research and Innovation Team took part in 2018. They said: “When we saw the challenge last year we were immediately keen to take part- it was an achievable target, a great thing to do in the summer and an excellent opportunity for team-building.”

A medal and a certificate will be available for everyone who takes part, and participants can support the ward or department of their choice at Dorset County Hospital.

The second event is a 10km or 6km run taking place on Sunday, July 14 in Moreton Forest.

This run is targeted at more serious runners as they are expected to face a range of rough and undulating terrain on forest tracks and woodlands paths.

Registration costs £17 and it will be possible to sign up on the day - both races start at 9.30am.

The NHS Big Tea party is the third way to support the hospital following last year's success, when more than 130 charities helped to raise over £250,000 in celebration of the NHS.

The national date for the Big Tea party is Friday, July 5, but parties can be held on any convenient date over summer.

Simon Pearson, head of fundraising at Dorset County Hospital said: “This year’s Big Tea will focus attention on what we and other NHS charities do and help to raise funds for projects that would not otherwise be possible.”

Kitz Guilliford, fundraising officer added: "We want to encourage all our community supporters and our business partners to think about holding their own Big Tea party."

For more information on the 100km Challenge contact the Charity on charity@dchft.nhs.uk or phone 01305 253424. To learn more about the 10km and 6km runs visit wsphandac.fullonsport.com or email sandrahood12@btinternet.com.

More information about the Big Tea party can be found by calling Kitz on 01305 253792.