Celebrities join Stockport’s high tech calorie burning challenge for Ukraine fundraiser

Fitness fans – including Olympic athlete Rebecca Adlington and former Waterloo Road actor Jason Done – have raised hundreds of pounds for charity with a marathon calorie burning challenge. ­

The event, in aid of the British Red Cross Ukraine Fund, was hosted by boutique fitness studio H1VE, a unique gym based at Stockport Sports Village (SSV) in Woodley which monitors members’ heart rate and calories burned during group training sessions.

Around 30 participants – including friends, family and members from Life Leisure – were challenged to collectively burn 40,000 calories in one day by taking part in group actives, including exercise classes lead by personal trainer Harry Needs. And, along with a charity bake sale and raffle at Brinnington Leisure Centre, the group has so far raised more than £300.

Daniel Barker, head of health and fitness at Life Leisure, said:

“This was a fantastic event and we are thrilled to have raised much-needed funds for such a worthwhile cause.

“H1VE is a unique gym in that everyone is encouraged to use wearables to monitor their effort and see their progress alongside others. It was a great opportunity for non-members to have a go but also members to really push themselves – there’s a lot more incentive to work harder when you see your stats on a big screen! And for a fundraising effort like this, that was really motivating for all involved.

“The challenge was to burn 40,000 calories and we just missed out with 35,000, but it was a fantastic event – we’ll smash it next time!”

While the calorie burning fundraiser took place on 13th May, donations can still be made to the British Red Cross’ Ukraine Crisis Appeal via the event’s JustGiving page.

Pictured: H1VE members take part in the calorie burning challenge, including (L-R) Michelle Harriman, Keith Wike and former Waterloo Road actor Jason Done.