Pair work up a sweat for charity (From This is The West Country)

Pair work up a sweat for charity

12:30pm Tuesday 9th February 2010

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TWO keep-fit enthusiasts from Chard have completed a punishing 24-hour fitness challenge in aid of charity.

Gym instructors Joe Philip and Simon Lunn ran, rowed, cycled, boxed and lifted weights in support of Help for Heroes and CLIC Sargent.

The fitness fanatics started their challenge at midday on Tuesday and finished at the same time the following day.

Joe, 21, fitness room manager at Chard’s Cresta Leisure Centre, said: “It went really well but it was so tiring.

“We even took a walk while doing some weightlifting for an hour and raised about £250 just in town.”

The keen rugby player, who also trained as a Royal Marine, added: “We had great support from family and friends, who kept us going through the night.”

The pair, who weighed themselves throughout, lost a combined half a stone during the challenge, which also involved playing football with local schoolchildren.

Simon, 41, an ex-Naval recruit, runs the Phoenix gym in East Street, which doubled as the venue for the gruelling challenge.

Simon said their aim was to raise awareness about keeping fit while raising money for two worthwhile charities.

The pair hopes to raise about £1,000. About £800 has been collected so far.

Joe added: “I would like to thank our sponsors, Lucozade, and everyone who gave money so generously.”

A Just Giving page has been set up for donations to Help for Heroes - to access it follow the link below.

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