Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade will join Julia’s House CEO Martin Edwards on Friday 29 August for a triathlon-style challenge in aid of children’s hospice care.
The Alternative Triathlon is part of Martin’s wider 20/20 Challenge — a personal commitment to complete 20 fundraising events marking his 20th year at the helm of Julia’s House. The overall aim is to raise £100,000 to support seriously ill children and their families in Dorset and Wiltshire.
The challenge includes kayaking, cycling and hiking across the Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency and is expected to take around seven hours. It carries a fundraising target of £5,000 — enough to fund 24 hours of end-of-life care for a child supported by the charity.
Vikki Slade said she was proud to take part in the challenge and raise awareness for what she called “a cause close to my heart.” She added that funding for hospices remains an ongoing concern, despite repeated calls for more government support.
Martin Edwards said financial pressures on hospices are the worst he has seen in two decades, and public support is vital to keeping services running.
Julia’s House provides respite, emotional support and expert care to families in extremely difficult circumstances.