MEMBERS at a Wellington gym have completed a gruelling fundraising challenge.

Spartan Chamber Gym took part in the 26.2-mile Worm Marathon along the canal while carrying a 90kg sand-filled worm, all in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The idea was the brainchild of gym owner Ryan Atkins, a former Royal Marine, who covered the course with 30 of his members.

He said: “When we first announced the challenge it took only 10 minutes for all 30 of the spaces to be filled.

"Many of our members in the past few years have either been directly affected by cancer or know someone close to them who has been.

“We are massive advocates on creating community environments and I wanted a challenge that would push people to their limits but more importantly forge teamwork.

“The guys who took part showed determination and resilience in poor conditions and we couldn’t be happier with the huge amount of money made by everyone’s kind donations.”

Spartan Chamber raised an incredible £9,105.40 including Gift Aid for life-saving research into more than 200 different types of cancer.

Cancer Research UK fundraising spokesperson for Wellington, Kim Hammerton, said: “We’ve been at the heart of the progress that has already seen cancer survival in the UK double in the last 50 years, but we’re not stopping now.

"Incredible supporters like Spartan Chamber are helping us to go further and faster in the fight against the disease.

"By raising money for vital research, they are bringing hope to people affected by cancer in Wellington and across the UK.

“The Spartan Chamber team have been amazing taking on this insane challenge.

"The weather was against them on the day with torrential rain so the worm filled with sand must have weighed more than 90kg.

"We can’t thank all of the team enough for their commitment to the cause.

"One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. All of us can support the research that will beat it.”

To fundraise for life-saving research visit cruk.org or call 0300 123 1022.