A ‘Walk for Wards’ fundraiser next month will feature live entertainment and a free hot lunch for participants completing their sponsored walk.

Businesses and the wider community are being invited to take on a sponsored walk of 3k, 5k or 10k in support of the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals.

Staged by University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, Walk for Wards is on Saturday September 4 in the grounds of Somerley House near Ringwood.

Following an appeal for corporate support, two businesses have stepped forward to sponsor the event.

Ellis Jones Solicitors is taking the main gold sponsorship while 4Com is to be silver sponsor.

Nigel Smith, Managing Partner at Ellis Jones, pictured left, said, “Our local hospitals and NHS staff deserve the utmost support and appreciation.

“By joining forces with University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity as gold sponsor, I hope we can make this a brilliant event and raise as much money as possible for this fantastic cause.

“It would be great to see lots of families, individuals and groups of friends join in.

“I’m sure our team will throw themselves wholeheartedly into the walk too.”

Dean Cartledge, Director, 4Com Technologies, pictured right, said “4Com are proud to be supporting University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity by sponsoring their flagship Walk for Wards event.

“Despite the challenges faced since the start of the pandemic, we hope that Walk for Wards raises much needed funds to support our three local hospitals.

“We encourage as many people as possible to take part in the 3k, 5k, or 10k walks at Somerley House, put their best foot forward and raise money for an amazing cause.”

To mark its first ‘in person’ event, the charity is introducing a new festival feel to the day.

Participants can enjoy family friendly entertainment, stalls, food and live music.

With the support of Rapid Relief, which is again supporting the event, all participants will also receive a free hot lunch, to be enjoyed after completion of their sponsored walk.

Sara Fripp, Fundraising Manager at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, pictured left, said “We are so pleased to see our community come together to support our first mass participation event as University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity.

“As well as our incredible sponsors and the support of Rapid Relief, we’ve been lucky enough to secure some entertainment through home grown UHD talent who will be taking to the event stage.

“We have also invited some local small businesses along to give participants the chance to shop local whilst supporting their hospitals.”

Attendees have the opportunity to join other local supporters and donate to a specific hospital, department or ward of their choosing.

The newly formed charity now supports over 800,000 people in the Dorset area.

It will use funds raised to continue to support and develop areas within the hospital beyond what the NHS can fund.

Entry for Walk for Wards is £10 for adults and children under 16 can take part for free.

Follow @UHDcharity across all social media channels for event updates and further announcements.

To take part please go to UHDcharity.org or call the charity office on 0300 019 4060/8449