DORCHESTER RFC will next weekend host a charity match supporting children’s charity of rugby Wooden Spoon plus the Hardy Half Marathon.

All monies raised from the rugby match (3pm) will go to local projects funded by Wooden Spoon in the Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire region, benefitting children and young people with disabilities and facing disadvantage.

Recent projects have included food bank initiatives, therapy for those with cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, supporting those with autistic spectrum disorder and the Wave Project based in Boscombe helping those experiencing anxiety, depression family breakdown or bullying.

Everything raised in the region, stays in the region. Dorchester Rugby Club is one of the charity’s partner clubs, making sure local communities benefit.

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Watching the match will be Josh Navidi, recently retired Wales international and British and Irish Lion, who will hold a Q&A session following the game.

The popular back row forward made 184 appearances for Cardiff, 33 for Wales and two for the Lions before being forced into retirement with a serious neck injury.

The event, which is part of the Hardy Half Marathon weekend, will continue into the evening with DJs including a set from Navidi himself followed by co-founder of The Prodigy, Leeroy Thornhill.

For those attending there will be a hog roast and full bar.

On the following day, the inaugural Hardy Half Marathon trail race will start and finish at the clubhouse.

Runners will leave at 10am, race across farmland and loop round the spectacular views of Maiden Castle and Hardy’s Monument en route.

To support this charity venture, there will be free entry to an event village at Surcouf Park which will provide entertainment, craft, and food stalls, plus facilities for those running.

There will also be children’s entertainment and a kids’ 2k fun run (10.30am).

The race is a joint venture between Dorchester RIOT running club, Dorchester Lions, Dorchester Rugby Club and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club.

All money raised from the Half Marathon will go to local charities, the main charity benefactor being Farming Community Network.

It is expected that the Hardy Half will become a regular event in the running and fund-raising calendar.

Parkers, the National Farming Union and the National Grid sponsor the half marathon.

Entry costs £25 for England Athletics affiliated runners, or £27 for non-affiliated. For more information visit: www.hardyhalf.com