A FATHER who undertook a mammoth fundraising walk in memory of his daughter has become a 'parent ambassador' for Julia's House

Supermarket manager Justin Kline walked 100km in 24 hours, raising more than £150,000 for the children's hospice which cared for his daughter Sophie before her death in April last year.

Sophie, who was just eight years old, suffered from a highly aggressive brain tumour found in an area of the brain stem which controls vital functions such as breathing. There was no cure. Nurses from Julia's House were able to care for her at home with her family.

Justin said: "Sophie never had to spend a single night in hospital, thanks to Julia’s House. It meant so much to us to be able to keep her at home."

He said he was very pleased become an ambassador for the Dorset and Wiltshire children’s hospice charity, adding: "I'm keen to continue my fundraising efforts as well as talk to potential fundraisers, business leaders or community groups about the amazing work the team do."

Justin, manager of Weymouth's Tesco Metro store, undertook his walking challenge last September, visiting 33 Tesco stores in 24 hours, including those in Kinson, Bournemouth, Poole, Sandbanks and Branksome. He and was supported by his colleagues from stores in Dorset and across the UK. The money he raised was enough to fund four nurses for a year for the children's hospice charity which helps children with life limiting illnesses.

Julia’s House senior team nurse Claire Hudson-Cooper, who helped care for Sophie in her final days, said: "The wonderful thing about the money Justin raised is that it is going to help fund more nurses to enable more children like Sophie stay out of hospital and at home with their families.”

Martin Edwards, chief executive of Julia’s House said: "I am delighted that Justin has become a parent ambassador. It shows his determination to help other children, and for something profoundly good to come out of his family's tragic loss.

"I am sure Justin will inspire many people to join him in helping Julia's House."