MARTIAL arts star Matt Fiddes and his team raised over £7,500 for breast cancer charities as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Matt held a pink belt grading and funday at Play Football with over 300 participants from Matt Fiddes Martial Arts and Matt Fiddes Dance.

People from the age of three to 70 took part in five gradings throughout the day to gain a unique Pink Belt or Dance pink band.

The fun day kept participants, friends and family occupied with a bouncy castle, cake competition, face painting, martial arts competitions, photo booth, craft activities and raffle.

Nicky Edwards, from the Matt Fiddes Swindon office, organised the event,

He said: "We are truly blown away from the support we have received today.

"Our aim was to raise £5,000 and we've exceeded this. We are still counting the money and donations to the three brave people who had their head shave but we hope to get to £7,500."

Swindon born martial arts celebrity Matt Fiddes is a regular on tv and is most well known as the former bodyguard to Michael Jackson for ten years. His Swindon based organisation Matt Fiddes Martial Arts and Matt Fiddes Dance boasts 50k members worldwide.

Both Matt and Nicky lost their mum's due to breast cancer and it is a charity close to their hearts.

Matt said: "Everybody’s help with organising the event and attending it is much appreciated.

"Thank you to all my team, the public and most of all Nicky Edwards for putting together such a large event with the help of Pat O”Driscoll’s team.

"With spectators, we had over 600 go through the doors. It’s an event I will look to expand on and make national each year.

"I lost my mum Majella to breast cancer and it’s time they found a cure for this horrid disease."