Tough 24-hour gym challenge for charity

Two marketing experts have completed their third charity challenge of the year by doing a 24-hour gym workout.

Sarah Stanbrook, 33, and pal Veronica Boaden, 25, met doing pole dance fitness classes, and have taken on the task of completing a different charity event each month.

Last week they completed a mammoth session at the Olympians Gym at the Ellingham Industrial Estate in South Ashford. Their workout included time on the treadmill, cross trainers, exercise bikes and also lifting weights and completing circuits.

Ms Stanbrook works for nearby Thomas Autos and volunteers for the Salvation Army homeless shelter.

The single mum-of-three said: “Because of my volunteering we decided to do something to help the homeless, and from there we decided we wanted to help as many good causes as we can – not just raising money, but also awareness as well.

“So we have 12 different charities and 12 different challenges. In January we raised money for the homeless with a sleepout, then in February we raised for the British Heart Foundation.

“For our March challenge we picked Together UK, a mental health charity. At the gym we had amazing support from staff and other members, and everyone at work has been supportive.

“After completing it I felt so sore. We started the workout at 6pm on Monday and went through to 6pm on Tuesday. There was a moment at about 4am when I felt myself going to sleep on the exercise bike, but I got straight back into it and continued all the way through.”

Now, along with Ms Boaden, who works as a freelance marketing specialist, Ms Stanbrook hopes to cook a different meal from around the world every day to raise money for World Vision UK as their challenge for April.

They have raised hundreds of pounds towards their £4,000 target. Their ambitions also include participating in a different sport each day in August, and completing a gruelling Tough Mudder challenge in September.

To find out more search for 12 Months 12 Challenges on Facebook, or to donate, visit www.virginmoneygiving. com and search for Sarah Stanbrook.

Sarah Stanbrook and Veronica Boaden completed a 24-hour workout at the Olympians Gym