Not many people would celebrate turning 60 years old with a punishing 60-day fitness challenge that gets harder every day.

But that’s what Odette Morris has decided to do.

The regular gym-goer has shunned a big birthday party to instead raise money for Julia’s House children’s hospice in Wiltshire and Help for Heroes, with a mega accumulator workout.

Kicking off the challenge on her birthday on October 2, Odette has been adding a different exercise lasting 60 seconds or 60 repetitions each day.

“I’ll build up to 60 different exercises by the final day of my challenge, including squats, press-ups, bicep curls and tricep dips,” she said. “Hopefully it won’t be too painful – I’ve never done 60 days non-stop before.

“I wanted to do something special and memorable for my 60th birthday and I didn’t just want to have a party. I know Julia’s House relies on donations for the care they provide in Wiltshire, so I wanted to do this challenge to support them.

“A close family member has stage four cancer and is fighting through it, so it means a lot to me to know I’m helping Julia’s House care for families of children that have cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The work they do is amazing.”

The former paediatric nurse and school childcare officer will complete her 60 days of workouts at her home in Trowbridge or at her local gyms – Tribe Fitness Centre and Snap Fitness.

“You’re never too old to start working out, as long as you do it gradually. It’s definitely more about your mindset than your age,” she said.

Julia’s House fundraising assistant Nicky Clack said, “We’d like to say a huge happy birthday to Odette. We’re so grateful that she’s taken on her 60-day fundraiser and wish her the very best of luck with every second and repetition of her challenge.

“We’re reliant on community support to fund our vital respite care for seriously ill children and their families in Wiltshire, so every donation makes a big difference.”

Already, Odette, of Trowbridge, has managed to exceed her target of £200 for her chosen charities.

Anyone who wants to support her can visit virginmoneygiving.com/OdetteMorris

The charity’s Devizes hospice is throwing its doors open to the public between 11am and 2pm on November 9 so people can learn more about how their support makes a difference for seriously ill children.

They will be able to meet members of the team and take a tour of the building.

It will be the first time Julia’s House has been able to open the hospice doors to the public and supporters since before the start of the pandemic.

Visitors can explore the hospice sensory room, activity room, accessible bathroom and end of life Pegasus suite.

Supporters can also take a look around the vibrant hospice garden, which has been developed for play, relaxation and reflection.

Drinks and cake will be available, plus the opportunity to chat to members of the Julia’s House care and fundraising team.

Julia’s House recently launched its Together We Care Appeal – backed by the Gazette – to raise awareness of the respite care and support provided by the charity’s nurses and carers in the local community.

The children’s hospice charity hopes that the appeal will help to raise the £1.5m needed to run the vital service each year across the county.

Booking is essential. Visit juliashouse.org/event/wiltshire-hospice-open-day for more information.