A TEAM of brave gym buffs kicked and punched their way to fundraising success on Saturday in a gruelling workout all in aid of Prospect Hospice.

A total of 35 body combat enthusiasts came together for the five-hour fast-paced session at the DW Fitness gym at the Orbital Centre.

The group, who use fighting action techniques as part of the exercise class, were led by instructors Lorraine, Tammie, Kerry and Nat when they took part in the sixth annual charity Combatathon.

Lorraine Collins, 36, one of the instructors who led the group, said: “It is great fun and it is a good personal challenge for people. Everyone in the session knows one another from the gym and so it is a nice social event too.

“For me, I get involved in memory of my dad and everyone knows someone who has been helped by a hospice so it is a great cause.

“We try to keep moving for the whole time but we do get a two-minute break every so often to rehydrate.

“I think in a way people love the event. Everyone at first thinks it is going to be really hard but if you pick the right tracks, people don’t realise they are working out for that duration.”

The group have raised nearly £2,000 so far which they hope will match the £4,000 they have raised in previous years for their local hospice.

This year the money raised will also be split with Threshold Housing Link.

Organiser Jo Kearsley, 47 from Swindon was among those taking part in the event which has been running for the last seven years.

She added: “DW have hosted the event for us and we are very grateful to them because they have freed up one of the studios for us.”

To donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Combatathon2017 with more information about DW Fitness here www.dwfitnessclubs.com