A GROUP of fitness fanatics battled through bitterly cold snowy conditions to take on a tough charity challenge.
While many people in south Essex were keen to avoid the heavy snow which fell on the county as Storm Darcy took hold, 15 members of Motiv-8 Bootcamp & Fitness were running, power-walking or cycling.
The group set themselves a target of covering 125km between them over the course of two days.
However, they smashed their goal as they travelled a staggering 319.2km in the 48-hour period.
A total of £650 was raised for Benfleet Community Helpers and the money will be spent on buying iPads for children to use while home-schooling during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kevin Johnson, a personal trainer and founder of Motiv-8 Bootcamp & Fitness, was pleased to see so many members throw themselves into the fundraiser and cover an average of 21.28km per person for a good cause.
He said: “I am absolutely chuffed and so proud of my bootcamp team.
“They showed incredible dedication and fighting spirit throughout this challenge.
On his bike - one of the fundraisers
“Being out in the harsh winter conditions and clocking up hundreds of kilometres between us to raise funds for iPads for children’s education is phenomenal.
“This is what our bootcamp is all about - motivation, support, hard work and having fun while being part of a team.
“We wanted to raise funds for Benfleet Community Helpers. It is run by Mark Penn and he has been doing an incredible work for the disadvantaged members of the community in lockdown.”
Motiv-8 Bootcamp & Fitness was established by Kevin, 40, five years ago and has grown significantly.
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Kevin’s fitness sessions have continued in the midst of a global pandemic, with him putting neighbours through their paces on the streets and also taking advantage of the wonders of modern technology to connect with his clients.
Motiv-8 Bootcamp & Fitness members met every week at Benfleet’s Woodside Park for various fitness sessions prior to government restrictions being put in place.
Tracy Elliot was pleased to play her part in the latest fundraiser.
She said: “We are tougher than we think and it was great to raise so much money.”
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