A virtual challenge to walk around the world in 180 days is raising funds for Suffolk’s St Elizabeth Hospice.

The challenge can be tailored to suit individual participants - either by counting the steps taken during a normal day or by heading out on walks with friends and family.

A free Walk the Planet mobile application can be downloaded which will total up the number of steps taken by everyone involved in the challenge, which is raising funds for the hospice, based in Ipswich.

Pauline Donkin, hospice fundraising development manager, said: “You could walk the planet with your family, friends, or even colleagues in your lunch break. Why not pledge to increase the amount of steps you take in everyday life or add to your total by going for walks in the countryside.

“On our virtual walk you will be able to view where in the world your steps have taken us to.

“Whether you take on the challenge with a group or on your own, you can help us make a world of difference to someone in your local community by going the extra mile for your hospice.”

The challenge finishes in summer 2016.

It is free to enter, but participants are asked to raise a minimum of £35 in sponsorship, which is enough to pay for a session in the therapy gym with a physiotherapist to help a patient improve and maintain strength and function, and remain independent.

Register online at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/walktheplanet and to receive a link to download the free mobile application.