FOUR friends who attend the Crediton group personal training gym, Westward Barbell, off Mill Street, Crediton, undertook a charity fundraiser “The Million Kilo Lift Challenge”, at the end of last month.

The event was to raise funds for The Fragile X Society and local charity Pete’s Dragons, charities close to the hearts of those who attend the gym.

Sam Cooke, Chris Gibson, Josh Jones and Barnaby Carter started the challenge early on the Sunday morning strongly and full of enthusiasm.

Throughout the day the total of weight lifted steadily increased and into the evening a few other gym members and friends pitched in to help the lads reach the total just before midnight.

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” said coach and personal trainer Sam Cooke.

He added: “The donations from local businesses and the support of the community was overwhelming.”

Colin Matthews, owner of Westward Barbell, said he felt truly humbled by all of the fantastic donations from local businesses which donated prizes enabling the raffle to raise £900 towards the two charities and would like to thank them all for their support.

To-date a total of £2,783.20 has been raised.

Neighbours from the indoor soft play centre, Planet Play, put on a great barbecue to feed and refresh the supporters, with all the proceeds also going to the charities.

Colin added: “The challenge was just that; a challenge!

“For four men to lift one million kilograms between them, a total of 2,204,622 lbs for those working in imperial, sounds like a lot in a 24-hour stint, and the guys certainly found that it was!”