Switch on your television to get the news at breakfast time and you will be sure to catch a slot urging you to exercise during the third lockdown – and any other time for that matter.

And now Julia’s House children’s hospice are urging you to sign up for a new virtual fundraising challenge.

Run, walk, cycle (or take part in any other exercise or activity) as you travel virtually to the Seven Wonders of the World.

After having to cancel all its major fundraising events last year, Julia’s House has made sure its latest physical fundraiser is 100 per cent lockdown-friendly, in order to combat the devastating effect the pandemic has had on its funding.

Select your favourite destination or challenge yourself to see all Seven Wonders – an ultra 883-mile global fitness adventure.   

Keep up your motivation and compete with friends or colleagues by connecting your challenge with your Fitbit, Apple watch or fitness app to track your progress.  Go exploring along the way with Google Street View, whether it’s a virtual cocktail on Copacabana beach or a moment of sunrise solitude at the Taj Mahal.  Distances range from 40 to 265 miles and you can cover them how and when you want – a great way to stay motivated and keep your fitness levels up during lockdown.

Each challenge is priced at £12.99 and includes access to the mobile app and a collectable medal on completion.  Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive special access to the mobile app – then all you need to do is pick your start date and choose how many weeks you want to set as your goal to complete the challenge.  You can fundraise along the way or make a personal donation instead of fundraising.

Find out more and sign up at www.juliashouse.org/seven-wonders

And after lockdown

While nobody knows how long lockdown three will be in place, Julia’s House hopes that restrictions will ease later in the year.

Some of the charity’s favourite challenge events are back for 2021 to get you moving when it’s possible to all get together again:

The Big Jump, 24 April

Throw yourself into the challenge of a tandem skydive, jumping from 13,000 feet above the Army Parachute Association in Netheravon, near Salisbury.

Hike for your Hospice, 10-12 September

A collection of nine of the very best walking routes across Dorset and Wiltshire. All walks start and finish at a country pub..

The Big Ride, 10 October

Upsize your cycling experience as you wind your way through some of the finest countryside in Dorset and Wiltshire.  Choose from three circular routes starting and finishing at Horton and Chalbury Village Hall near Wimborne.

Everest Base Camp, 13-29 November

Join a bucket-list adventure, hiking to base camp at the foot of Mount Everest. You’ll spend sixteen days trekking to the summit of Kalapatar before exploring the vibrant capital of Kathmandu. Book risk-free with ATOL protection and guaranteed money-back if the trek gets cancelled.

More information on all fundraising events can be found at www.juliashouse.org/events.