Selfless Carly steps in place for Gosport fitness boot camp

And that’s exactly what Carly Stairs did for Holly Garlick by participating in a gruelling fitness boot camp.

The event, that took place outside New Images Gym, in Gosport, saw 25 women participating in activities such as tyre flips, dumbbell lifts and running.

Holly was originally meant to take part in the event, but was involved in a car accident that left her in intensive care.

Knowing how much she was looking forward to the boot camp, Carly, 37, stepped in and was cheered on by Holly’s friends and family.

She said: ‘Holly originally wanted me to do the event with her but I told her no way.

‘When I went to see her she was gutted that she was unable take part so I thought I would do it on her behalf.

‘I’ve done marathons before but this was a lot harder. It was a test of various things such as strength and cardio and was a mental and physical challenge.

‘It was a pure sense of relief when I finished. I kept saying to myself that I couldn’t do it throughout and was really pleased at the end.’

Holly’s husband Andy, 42, was there every way to cheer on and support Carly as she persevered through.

He said: ‘When Carly said she was going to take Holly’s place I couldn’t believe it. The doctors and nurses at the hospital have been brilliant with us and answered any questions that we have.

‘It has been a strange summer holiday for our children but we’re hoping to have Holly home in the next few weeks.’

Following Holly’s accident, Kelly Fielding, who runs Body Blast Boot Camp decided that all of the proceeds should go towards Wessex Neurological ICU, which is caring for Holly.

In the evening, the participants the met for a social evening at the Thorngates Hall and held raffles and got everyone on stage. Kelly said: ‘The concept of the day was to get ladies of all different shapes and sizes together and bring everyone together and get everyone involved.

‘When we heard about Holly’s accident, we then thought that we should do it as a charity event and help raise money for a good cause.’

To add to Carly’s cause, visit virginmoneygiving.com/fitandfabulousforholly