YARMOUTH MP Brandon Lewis will be hoping to go the distance for charity at the start of next month when he participates in the Dextro Energy Triathlon in London’s Hyde Park.

The 40-year-old MP will be raising money for the Palliative Care East appeal at the James Paget University Hospital, which aims to collect �1.5m for a new respite day care centre in the hospital’s grounds for people with terminal illnesses.

To succeed, he will need to complete the Olympic distance course on August 6, which will include a 1500m swim through the Serpentine, a 40km bike ride and a 10km run.

He said: “I am doing it for palliative care as I do believe we are under resourced in our area for end of life care. Indeed I had a debate on this in the last couple of weeks in Westminster to outline our need for more, both palliative care and also, eventually, a hospice.”

He described the hospital’s planned new centre as a “fantastic asset to our community”, and said it would be an important asset in years to come with the growing number of older people living in the area.

The triathlon course used on August 6 will be used at London 2012 and keen triathlon runner Mr Lewis is a fellow of the British Triathlon Federation.

The Hyde Park event involves two courses – a sprint distance with a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run, and the Olympic distance which Mr Lewis will be doing.

A separate event will be held at Buckingham Palace involving the same courses and different age groups can participate.

Forthcoming events in aid of the appeal include:

On August 28, a charity auction at the Mariners Rest pub, Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft at 3pm

On September 14, a Beetle Drive at Sara’s Tea Rooms at the Pleasure Beach Gardens, in Yarmouth. Cost is �10 per ticket, refreshments included. Arrival is 7.30pm for 8pm start and there will also be a raffle. Contact 01393 667031.

On October 7, a Moonlite Walk on Lowestoft seafront. There will be bacon rolls, tea and coffee to finish.

To make a donation, visit www.palliativecareeast.org.uk Cheques, made payable to Palliative Care East, can be sent to Palliative Care East, Fundraising Office, James Paget University Hospital, Gorleston, NR31 6LA.

Donations: Mrs Vera Smith – in memory of John Smith �44.50; Mr A Hall in memory of Olive May Hall �412; Reunion – Great Yarmouth Grammar School �42.65; Plane, Jacbobs �300; A Jary & Sons in memory of Gordon John Cook �465; Anglia Co-operative Funerals – in memory of Mrs Freda Rose Cook �467.40; St Andew’s Church, Gorleston �8.30; Mrs P Newnham – Thursday Craft Club �100; Nicky Guard – Hair Colours �310; Charlotte Skeet �10; A Jary & Sons Ltd – in memory of Peggy Joan and Cecil Frederick Manning �420; A Jary & Sons Ltd – in memory of John Brian Yaxley �30; Cossey Funeral Service – in memory of Rita Brown �140; Great Yarmouth College – travel and tourism students �2,000; Brenda Rawlinson �572.