DEDICATED Rosemary Bishop from Bridport has tackled a gruelling triathlon in memory of her daughter.

Rosemary, 64, and friend Suzan Barclay, 49, trained for the Dorset Try a Tri event in aid of Julia’s House children’s hospice and Action for Children.

They donned their running shoes and swimming costumes in memory of Rosemary’s daughter Victoria Mann, who worked as a carer for Julia’s House.

Victoria, aged 26, died after her car went over a cliff at Burton Bradstock in October 2007.

Rosemary said: “It has been a very difficult time for all of Victoria’s friends and family.

“But Victoria was so dedicated to working with and helping children, we felt the best way to honour her memory would be to raise funds for the two charities she wholeheartedly supported.”

In addition to her work at Julia’s House, Victoria was also a Children’s Advocate for Action for Children.

Rosemary and Suzan Barclay trained for the Dorset Try a Tri since Christmas.

The event, in its fifth year, was held at St Michael’s School in Wimborne.

Competitors tackled a 250-metre swim followed by a 10-mile bike ride and a three mile run.

Julia’s House director of care Karen Dale said: “Victoria was a very valuable member of the team.

“She always went that extra mile for the families and the other carers she was working with.

“She is very much missed.

“We really appreciate the support that Rosemary and her family and friends are now giving to support our work with the children Victoria cared for.”

Victoria’s Ford Ka went over the cliffs at Burton Bradstock but was only found a year later on the seabed in Lyme Bay with her body inside.

West Dorset Coroner Michael Johnston recorded on open verdict as no cause of death could be pinpointed after such a long time in the water.

Rosemary and Suzan are planning more fundraising activities for Julia’s House and Action for Children over the summer, including a quiz night in early June.

Call Rosemary on 07813 152422 and Suzan on 07717 597850 to sponsor them.

JULIA’S House children’s hospice is Dorset’s hospice dedicated to children with life-limiting conditions.

The majority of the children that it cares for are unlikely to live into adulthood.

Julia’s House’s community team consists of 65 nurses and carers who travel the county, providing support for families in their own homes.

In 2008 the charity provided 7,318 hours of care in the community and 5,170 hours of care at the hospice in Corfe Mullen.

It costs around £2.4m to run Julia’s House.

The charity receives three per cent of its annual funding from the Government and the rest is raised in the community.