Your sporting chance to boost £2m appeal

4:00pm Monday 10th March 2008

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ORGANISERS of the Jigsaw Appeal have unveiled ambitious plans for a great Season of Sport to raise money for a new cancer and blood disorders unit at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Six events have been lined up, kicking off on May 18 with a Euro 2008 six-a-side football tournament at the Littledown Centre.

Teams of eight, including two rolling subs, are invited to take part, with each representing one of the contenders in the real Euro 2008 championships. Players must be at least 16 and have at least £30 sponsorship to take part - and mixed teams are welcome.

Other events include a New Forest cycle ride on June 15 as part of National Bike Week. Participants can choose a 10-mile or 20-mile course starting from Burton Recreation Ground. Entry fee is £5 a person (under-16s free) and minimum sponsorship is £1 a mile.

Also to come are a six-a-side cricket tournament at Dean Park in Bournemouth on September 14; a netball tournament at Canford School Sports Centre on September 21; a swimarathon at the Littledown Centre on November 15; and a "Christmas Sparkle" 10k run.

All the money raised will go to the Daily Echo-backed Jigsaw Cancer and Blood Disorders Appeal, which is trying to raise £2 million by next March.

Head of fund-raising Diana Newbury said: "This year's Season of Sport offers a great way for teams from the local community and businesses to have fun and raise money for the Jigsaw Appeal at the same time."

For details, ring the appeal office on 01202 704060; email Diana.newbury@rbch.nhs.uk or visit the charity's website at jigsawappeal.org.uk.