FITNESS fans in Fareham help raised more than £6,000 for Breast Cancer Haven.

Some 22 members of CrossFit Fareham took part in one of the toughest fitness challenges they had ever participated in, 24 CrossFit workouts in 24 hours.

This fundraising challenge raised more than £6,100, smashing the initial target of £2,500, with one husband and wife duo raising nearly £1,000 themselves.

It was a tough 24 hours that involved each member taking on 1000 squats, 950 pull ups, 10k of running, and over 40 tonnes of weight lifted in total, over a 24 hour period with no sleep.

Lots of members turned up to offer support throughout the challenge, with two taking charge of fuelling participating athletes through the supply of very welcomed hot food.

The workouts were streamed via the gyms social media member community page, and many followed the journey throughout the whole period.

Head coach and director Matt Beard, who took part himself, said "It was a hugely successful community event and we blew our original fundraising target for Breast Cancer Haven out of the water thanks to our amazingly committed members.

"There were some highs and some lows, and many funny points in between; ultimately it was the toughest physical challenge many of us have ever completed and we wouldn’t have got through it without the support and encouragement of each other and our supporting members. We are very proud of the community we have created."

Breast Cancer Haven is a charity that supports women through their breast cancer treatment. They support women and their families via a network of six centres around the UK, including in Titchfield, and through an expanding network of other services.

They offer advice on practical things like money and work, help combatting stress, exhaustion and nausea, advice on healthy eating and exercise. Each visitor is offered up to ten free hours' of supportive therapy time, as well as two hours' of nurse specialist time at the beginning and end of their tailored programme.

Heidi Rehman, Community Fundraiser said "The amount that CrossFit Fareham has raised is enough to put six people through a full programme of support here at Breast Cancer Haven.

"We can’t thank them enough for their dedication, willpower, enthusiasm and energy. What an amazing achievement. A huge thank you to everyone who helped organise and take part. We are so proud of you."

If you would like to take on a challenge this October you may wish to consider Squatober, one of Breast Cancer Haven’s challenges during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. More details can be found at breastcancerhaven.org.uk/Event/squatober-challenge-breast-cancer-awareness-month