Dorset's big effort for Sport Relief (From Thisisdorset)

Dorset's big effort for Sport Relief

11:00am Monday 22nd March 2010 in

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FUNDRAISERS got active throughout Dorset for Sport Relief.

Events continued throughout the county at the weekend after a record-breaking live telethon on Friday night raised more than £29million for the charity.

People of all ages participated in sponsored running and walking events for the Sport Relief Mile yesterday, including at Redlands Community Sports Hub in Weymouth.

There was a choice of distances – one, three or six miles – which meant everyone from tiny tots to sprinters could join in.

Among those getting involved were Budmouth Technology College pupils Kenna Nurse and Georgie Allen, both 16 and from Weymouth.

Kenna said: “We’ve being learning about Sport Relief at school so we wanted to get involved.

Georgie added: “We have been doing a bit of running but we were a bit nervous.”

Elizabeth Spracklen, 74, from Dorchester, has had three hip replacements but that didn’t put her off.

She said: “I’m 75 in April so this was a real challenge for me. I’m not ready to give up on life just yet and I think it’s important to give a real go at anything that comes along.

“I like keeping active and with the right attitude you can still have a good life.”

Painter and decorator James Draper, 33, from Bridport opted to complete three miles for the cause. He said: “I’ve only recently started to get fit so this was a milestone for me.

“It’s also good to raise money for charity.”

Seven members of the French family, including mum Wendy and dad Wayne, travelled from Poole to take part in the event.

Daniel French, 13, said: “It was my idea to take part. I did it last year and I think it’s a really fun day out.”

Staff and customers at Weymouth Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre donned fancy dress for a marathon spin on an exercise bike.

They rode for hours in the ‘spinathon’ on the centre’s aerobikes with visitors making donations throughout the day.

At First Choice travel agents in Weymouth staff dressed in their pyjamas in their bid to raise funds.

Bad weather hit plans kayakers had to paddle from Ringstead to Lulworth and clean beaches along the way.

Organiser Terry Sallows said strong winds and fog meant they had to call it off but the 30 kayakers are hoping to reschedule for next Saturday.

Weymouth schoolboy Toby de Kretser got on his exercise bike for Sport Relief.

Toby, 12, is being sponsored to complete 15km on the bike under half an hour every day for a week.

BBC Radio Solent drivetime presenter Steve Harris was kept busy on the treadmill in the gym at Weymouth Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre as he contributed seven miles to a regional relay.