FITNESS fanatics braved the cold on Saturday to flex their muscles in a bid to raise funds for a local charity.

Organised by fitness instructor Matt Glover, the day involved 26 willing participants taking on a wide range of sporting activities in aid of young person’s charity Smash.

The ‘Smash it for Smash’ day kicked off with a 5k run around Mouldon Hill Park before the luckless volunteers were subjected to one hour of high intensity training.

They were then whisked off to Simply Gym in West Swindon to face another hour of spin class before finishing off with a very demanding one hour body pump session.

Speaking after the 5k run, Matt, 43, who runs his own fitness business as a nutrition coach, personal trainer, and fitness instructor, said: “I’m very excited about today. It isn’t going to be easy. The final class is a one hour body pump session, which will be very hard if we have a few tired legs out there.”

Smash – Swindon Mentoring and Self Help Youth Project – offers help and support to youngsters who face difficulties at home, in school or in their social environment.

“Smash is a brilliant charity,” said Matt. “It does so much to help young people and it really makes a difference to their lives.

“I think more charities like Smash are needed. It allows young people to open up about things that are bothering them and introduces them to a world outside their normal day-to-day lives.

“When I was a kid I was a bit rebellious and things like this weren’t around then.”

Matt hosts outdoor boot camps every Wednesday and Saturday and offers class packages for the sessions is Mouldon Park.

So far the initiative has managed to pull in around £2,000.

“People have been very generous,” said Matt. “We appreciate all the support we have received.”

Having just finished the 5k run, an out of breath Cameron Smith said: “It was a great run. It feels good to warm up a bit as it’s a bit nippy this morning.

“I’m looking forward to the rest of the day, it should be really good fun.”

Those wishing to donate to Matt’s campaign can visit the fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Matt-Glover4?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20161031_70371.