Martin Clunes sends video to superhero fundraiser

A 10-year-old girl with muscular dystrophy who is trekking 100 miles along Dorset's Jurassic Coast for charity has received a message of support from Martin Clunes.

Carmela, from Wareham, is covering the distance on foot and in her wheelchair to raise money for Julia's House children's hospice.

Doc Martin actor Clunes, who lives in Dorset and is a patron of the charity, recorded the video message from Greenland.

He said: "I just wanted to wish you the best of all possible luck on your amazing Jurassic walk. What a thing to do."

Carmela hopes to raise £10,000 for the hospice

Carmela’s Superhero Jurassic Journey is part of the Superhero Series, a programme of mass-participation events, sponsored by Marvel and founded by Paralympian Sophia Warner.

Carmela, who is dressed as a superhero for her challenge, set out on 16 June and hopes to raise £10,000 for the hospice.

She has been accompanied by her mother, Lucy, and their dog, Tinker.

In the video, Clunes says: "I'm in Greenland. You can probably see - there's a few icebergs behind me.

"Congratulations to you for doing this - Julia's House is the best possible cause you could be doing it for - and good luck.

"Go girl!"

Carmela has a rare and aggressive form of muscular dystrophy, which affects one child in a million.

The muscle-wasting condition is progressive and life-threatening and there is currently no cure.

She hopes to complete the challenge on Saturday with a walk from Wareham Quay to Julia’s House hospice in Corfe Mullen.