HE was a loveable guy who would bring a smile or laugh to anyone who knew him.

Southampton fitness instructor Sam Robson had a lust for life – and an enthusiasm for all things sport.

But the 25-year-old’s life was turned upside down after being diagnosed with bowel cancer and he lost his battle against the disease.

Heartbroken family, friends and colleagues have faced a struggle to come to terms with their loss in January this year – but now they’re gearing up for a sporting event in his name.

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On Friday night 40 work colleagues and members of The Club at Chilworth Manor, where Sam had worked as an instructor since January 2008, will begin a 24-hour workout with a difference.

The CV-athon, called “Doing it for Sam” will see teams of people go through the night in a relay-style cardio event to raise cash for charity.

Sam was a Portsmouth fan, a passion he shared with his dad Alan, and watching his team lift the FA Cup was one of the highlights of his final months.

Former manager and friend Kris Hillary, who grew up with Sam before eventually hiring him when The Club opened, said: “Everybody who knew Sam was lucky enough to know what a wonderful young man he was. He always put everyone else first in his life, and even during his illness he was saying “it’s not that bad, someone else somewhere is worse off”.

“He was just a great guy.”

Kris added: “His personality and funny mannerisms kept us all smiling and laughing. He had become one of those people you just like being around and knew he would be a success at anything he put his mind to.”

The 24-hour gym event will kick off at 8pm this Friday night with the help of Saints legend and club member Francis Benali, and has been helped along thanks to sponsorship from firms and T-shirts and banners provided by ASAP Printing in Totton.

• Donations can be made in Sam’s memory by visiting justgiving.com/theclub-cvathon2009/ or by calling The Club on 023 8076 3025