Athletes kick cancer into touch during mammoth body combat marathon in Havant

The energetic fundraisers took over the main hall at Havant Leisure Centre to raise money for Cancer Research UK. It was the fifth – and last – one of its kind organised by Sarah Styles, from Farlington.

The caring 39-year-old was inspired to start the events after her step-father Ian Jacks died from oesophageal cancer aged 50 in July 2013.

Sarah, from Farlington, said: ‘Every one has been affected by cancer, we all know someone who has had it.

‘If we all come together to raise the funds, then we are making a difference, and we can hopefully find a cure – that’s what we all really want.’

The marathon consists of people doing body combat – a fitness class that mixes kick boxing and martial arts with a high-energy workout – for three hours.

The group was led by four instructors – Dean Wilson, Tammy Keir, Cheryl Williams, Lucy Greek – who all gave their time for free.

In the crowd were friends Hannah Kirby, 28, from Waterlooville, Debbie Andrews, 51, from Havant, Steph West, 29, from Havant and Kim Baldwin, 35, from Emsworth.

Debbie said: ‘I have done every one of these marathons. They are enjoyable and you are raising money for Cancer Research. So many people I know have been affected by cancer.’

Sarah hopes to reach £30,000 when all the money is totalled.

But she said it would not have been possible without the support she has received, such as from the instructors, Shaun Kara, a photographer who captured the event, DJ Luke Ennor from Portsmouth Scene who provided the tunes, and friends Sophie Cresswell, Wayne Martin, Jackie Legg, Kate Greeves and Sarah Harding, plus many more. To donate go online at justgiving.com/bodycombat5