Actor Martin Clunes sends video message to young superhero fund-raiser

Actor Martin Clunes has sent a video message of support to a young girl suffering from muscular dystrophy.

Filmed in Greenland, the video is backing 10-year-old Carmela Chillery-Watson on her unique fundraising challenge.

Miss Chillery-Watson is raising money for children's hospice, Julia’s House, who provide essential care for children with life-threatening conditions in Wiltshire and Dorset.

Miss Chillery-Watson, who lives in Dorset, has a rare and incurable form of muscular dystrophy, a condition causing progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass.

Embracing her supportive and adventurous spirit, Miss Chillery-Watson has initiated a 'Superhero Jurassic Journey 4 Julia’s House.'

The plan involves her journeying 100 miles over two weeks in her wheelchair, which began on Sunday, June 16 and is set to be complete by Sunday, June 29.

In Greenland and therefore unable to join Miss Chillery-Watson in person, Julia House's patron, Mr Clunes, shared a motivational video message against a backdrop of icebergs.

Mr Clunes said: "Hey Carmela, I just wanted to wish you the best of all possible luck on your amazing Jurassic Walk.

"What a thing to do!"

He continued: "I just really wanted to say, 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!"

Watch the full video message below:

The trek forms part of the Superhero Series, a group of events founded by Paralympian Sophia Warner, catering exclusively to individuals with disabilities and their friends or families.

Carmela, dressed as Spiderwoman, is hoping to walk an average of 7.1 miles each day.

Her mother, Lucy, and dog, Tinker, will accompany her on the journey.

The target is to raise £10,000 for Julia’s House.

Donations can be made to Miss Chillery-Watson's JustGiving page.

Besides raising money for the hospice, Miss Chillery-Watson's miles will also add to her Superhero Series team's global mile collection, racing against other teams aiming to virtually reach this year's Paris Paralympics.

Miss Chillery-Watson said: "I’m really excited.

"I’ve only just moved to Dorset, and I haven’t been to the Jurassic Coast yet, so I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s like, enjoying the sea views and maybe even collecting some fossils."

Laura Maidment, public fundraising manager for Julia’s House, said: "You couldn’t get a bigger superhero than Carmela.

"She’s amazing and I’m looking forward to joining her on her Jurassic Journey."