Fitness boot-camp raises cash for St Michael's Hospice (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Fitness boot-camp raises cash for St Michael's Hospice

6:40pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in Local By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

LUNGES, sprints and star-jumps warmed up a group of fundraisers before they took part in a charity boot-camp.

The seven women and one man were sponsored to complete as many circuits as possible during three hours, to raise money for St Michael’s Hospice in Aldermaston Road, Basingstoke.

Organised by personal trainer, Vanessa Snagg, the event on Saturday was held in a room at the Moniton Trading Estate, donated for the morning by Basingstoke School of Martial Arts.

Vanessa, a 30-year-old mother-of-two, said: “There are 10 boot-camp exercises and participants will complete as many rounds as possible, collecting sponsorship for each round. This is the first time we have ever done it but we are testing the water and might do another next year.

“We’re hoping to raise around £500. My granddad was in St Michael’s Hospice and a few of the ladies taking part have relatives who have been there. I remember going to visit my granddad and he was well looked after.”

Kelly Block, 29, from Chineham was one of those taking part in the challenge. The management trainer said: “It’s for charity and also to challenge myself in fitness. I do exercise at the Sports Centre but I have never done this before. I don’t expect to be able to walk by the end of it!”

Kevin Hall, from Basingstoke School of Martial Arts, loaned the room for the event, and also joined in the challenge. He said: “We do a lot of charity work for St Michael’s Hospice so hopefully this will raise more money for them.”