Muddy good show as gym team are born survivors . . .

THIS picture capture show that you should never let any obstacle get in the way of leading a fit and healthy lifestyle.

More than 40 gym members from Forever Strong in Kingsway completed the tough Born Survivor 10k endurance course to prove they can overcome any challenge - and raise money for charity.

Many of the team had not stepped foot in a gym until 12 months ago and would never have expected they would be able to complete the military inspired course.

The event - which was held at Capesthorne Hall in Macclesfield - sees competitors climbing through muddy swamps, swinging across bars, clambering through trenches and helping each other over huge walls.

There are more than 20 obstacles across the 10k terrain and every member of the Forever Strong team completed them all.

Gym member Mark Dixon, 49, said: “Two and a bit years ago I was well over 24st and heading towards a stroke. Fast forward to 2018 and I’m six stone lighter and nearing 50 so I’m still far from being the type of person who would do Born Survivor. Add to that I’ve got a longstanding injury to my left knee it wasn’t looking good.

“However, I had my Forever Strong family with me who took turns in helping me through the mud over various obstacles and I even had the energy to help a couple over the wall at the end.

“I couldn’t have done it without my FS family.”

Fellow member Julie Rothwell added: “Completing Born Survivor was a dream come true.

“A year ago I was not in a good place after cancer had taken my beautiful mum.

“But the friends I made at Forever Strong inspired me to complete Born Survivor and I now know ●●More than 40 gym members from Forever Strong on Kingsway completed the tough Born Survivor 10k endurance course to prove they can overcome any challenge - and raise money for charity nothing is impossible.”

The team also raised hundreds for Springhill Hospice and Melanoma UK.

Head coach Gary Rothwell said: “It is incredible to think that some of the team first stepped in a gym less than a year ago.

“To complete such a tough military course just shows that if you are determined enough and have the right support you can overcome any obstacles, not only on a endurance course but in life.”