Squat challenge sees Portsmouth personal trainers raise £1,200 to support NHS heroes

A tough task of completing 1,000 squats with 80kg weight was taken on by Sol Asajile and Moshood Awosile at PureGym North Harbour, to give something back to hardworking medical staff who have risked their lives.

The pair of fitness buffs prepared for weeks to tackle their challenge, which they managed to see through in just three hours and 10 minutes.

Sol, from Fratton, said: ‘Waking up in the morning of the challenge I felt the pressure that the NHS heroes must feel every day when they wake up to go to work. After a good night's rest with carb loading fuelled we were ready to start the fundraising challenge.

‘Getting past the halfway point was important in breaking the psychological barrier that would've prevented us from completing it.’

The 29-year-old said the pair finished the day with a sports therapy deep tissue massage from The Recovery Room in North End.

Southsea resident Moshood, 25, said: ‘We had practised wisely and well enough to handle what we put ourselves through mentally and physically.

‘We couldn't disappoint and were ready to give it all to make sure those squats were completed similar to what the NHS workers do on a daily basis risking their health to treat and help others.

‘When it got to the last hundred it was go time and a relief to know that we were still standing and had more in us to cross the finish line.

‘This was a great accomplishment and I hope it showed the NHS workers how much they are valued , thought of and appreciated.’

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With an initial target of £1,000 for NHS Charities Together, the duo received more support than expected and have so far collected more than £1,200, with more coming in all the time.

Sol said: ‘We would like to thank the NHS heroes for everything they do, the people who donated their hard earned cash, all those who came to support us on the day. Lastly thanks to Mosh for being brave and crazy enough to take this challenge with me.’

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/sol-fitness to donate.

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