24-hour fitness challenge held in aid of Thames Hospice

A fitness company from Cippenham recently embarked upon a 24-hour ‘hiitstep-athon’ in aid of Thames Hospice.

The gruelling, round-the-clock event saw fundraisers and fitness fanatics exercise in hourly shifts by using high intensity interval training techniques and workout steps.

数十人在周五参加了活动September 15, with groups jumping onto the blocks to take turns known as ‘the sundowners slot’ or ‘the breakfast club’. There was even a ‘neon disco vibe’ hour with glowsticks.

People of all ages took part at various parts of the night, including children, and some completed the challenge in fancy dress.

In total they raised £5,680 for Thames Hospice, a charity chosen by the group in memory of someone close to them.

Organisers Emily Lockhart, Samantha Leen and Shelley Baker boosted the fundraising drive which took place at Cookham Dean Cricket Club with a barbecue, ice cream van, bar, glitter tattoos and a tea and cake stall.

Emily Lockhart said:

“Thame Hospice provides essential end of life care to the local community and supports so many families in the worst times of their lives. The hardest part of the event was definitely the early hours of the morning, people went home, the 24-hour crew were left to keep it all going and it was relentless What surprised us the most was the resilience of our crew, we push each other, support each other, we never ever give up.”

Samanatha Leen said:

"It was the most epic challenge we've ever taken on, we weren't sure if this time we'd actually be able to pull it off.

"We are surrounded by the most amazing community, when we all work together amazing things happen. Our motto is to embrace life and that's exactly what we did."

Moved by the efforts shown in the fundraiser for her close friend, Joanne Stafford, organiser Shelley Baker said it was "a great event for a brilliant cause, remembering a lovely lady, Joanne, and celebrating something she loved: fitness."