Dorset: Fundraising 'Pied Piper' takes on sixth charity trek

Michael Dooley's charity walks have helped to raise more than £150,000

A consultant gynaecologist and keen charity fundraiser is hoping to raise £100,000 for his former hospital by walking 100km (62 miles) non-stop.

Michael Dooley has already completed five charity treks, helping to raise more than £150,000 in 15 years.

The 66-year-old's next challenge goes from Corfe Castle to Bridport in May.

Appealing for 100 volunteers to join him, he said: "It's not about me. I'm a catalyst. I'm the Pied Piper of fundraising."

Previous challenges have included treks from London to Brighton and from Poole to Bridport.

In September 2023, he walked 100km from Putney to Henley-on-Thames in 31 hours for the Royal Osteoporosis Society.

Mr Dooley added: "I love walking... Walking's so good because it's social. You can meet people and walk on. It's good for the mind, the body and soul.

"And we can raise funds. Of course it's daunting, but we've got to set a challenge."

Money raised by his team at the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge event will benefit the Dorset County Hospital Charity.

It has appealed for £2.5m to enhance the hospital's new critical care and emergency departments, which are being built on the site of a former school.

The consultant said: "We never know when one of us personally or a friend or relation would need this facility. It could help you, it could help your friend, help your relation and future generations as well."

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