Jetts Gym Portsmouth hosts 24-hour charity challenge raising funds for Friends Fighting Cancer

Hosted by Jetts Gym Portsmouth, the event supported Friends Fighting Cancer’s Grant Service, which provides financial assistance to people living with serious illness in the Portsmouth area and beyond.

Determined runners in Portsmouth pushed themselves to the limit over the weekend as part of a gruelling 24-Hour Fitness Challenge, Raising Thousands for a Local Cause.

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The Jetts and Friends Fighting Cancer 24 Hour Limitless Challenge began at 10am on Saturday, March 28 and ran through to 10am on Sunday, March 29. Participants took on an extraordinary test of endurance by running or walking a 5K every hour, on the hour, for a full 24 hours. Over 70 people took part, whether completing a single 5K or multiple loops, demonstrating the incredible level of community involvement.

Hosted by Jetts Gym Portsmouth in collaboration with Friends Fighting Cancer, the event aimed to raise funds for the charity’s vital Grant Service. This service provides financial support to people living with serious illness, helping to ease the burden during incredibly difficult times. The grants can be used for essential travel to hospital appointments and treatment, contributions towards household bills when individuals are unable to work, and funding meaningful experiences that allow families to spend precious time together and create lasting memories.

The decision to support Friends Fighting Cancer was a deliberate one by the organisers, who wanted to make a meaningful impact within their own community. Having seen first-hand the work the charity does in and around Portsmouth, the team felt it was the perfect fit for the challenge. With cancer affecting so many people in one way or another, the cause resonated deeply with participants and supporters alike.

Thanks to sign ups, donations and sponsorship, the event raised an impressive £24,500, which will go directly towards supporting individuals and families across the local area.

The challenge was based around four unique 5K routes, all starting and finishing at Jetts Gym. One loop wound through Hilsea, Copnor and Burrfields, another ran around Foxes Forest, a third passed along Farlington Marshes Waterfront, and the fourth followed the Eastern Road Waterfront. The varied courses gave runners a mix of road and trail, scenery and challenge, keeping them motivated and excited throughout the 24 hours. Participants could complete as many loops as they could manage, making it an inclusive event for runners and walkers of all abilities.

A number of participants completed all 24 5Ks, an extraordinary feat equating to three marathons in just one day. However, organisers emphasised that every effort counted, whether someone ran one, two or several loops, with each person setting their own challenge and contributing to the overall success of the event.

Joel Kirby, co-owner of Jetts Gym Portsmouth, who completed all 24 5Ks, praised both the challenge and the community spirit behind it. “It was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, both physically and mentally, especially through the night, but the atmosphere carried us through,” he said. “Seeing people come together, support each other and keep going no matter what was incredible. We are completely blown away by the generosity shown and to raise this amount for a local charity makes every step worth it.”

Fellow co-owner Mark Legg, who also completed the full 24 runs, echoed those sentiments. “It really pushed everyone to their limits, but that is what made it so special,” he said. “There was such a strong sense of community throughout. Whether someone was doing one 5K or all 24, everyone was encouraging each other. To see how much we have raised and know the difference it will make locally is something we are really proud of.”

The organisers paid tribute to the Businesses whose support made the challenge possible. Special thanks were given to Ashley and the team at The Southsea Decorating Company, the lead sponsor of the event. They also extended heartfelt thanks to Camrose Heating LTD, CDM Contractors, D&H Carpentry, DU Architecture, Farr Homes LTD, JPH Plumbing and Heating, Palmer Flooring Contractors, Unlocking Potential, Rowbrey Property, SSN Accountancy and TPP The Personnel Project.

Further appreciation went to The Hog House, who provided freshly prepared Rotisserie Chicken and Hog Baps to participants throughout the day, and returned on Sunday morning to serve Breakfast Baps to fuel runners for their final loops.

A dedicated team of volunteers stayed for the full 24 hours, cheering runners on, keeping spirits high during the overnight stretches and helping the event run smoothly from start to finish. The atmosphere was further lifted by local DJ Louis Faith, who volunteered his time on Saturday night to energise participants and maintain the momentum during the toughest hours.

A special shoutout goes to the Jetts Gym Portsmouth Community; both those who took part and those who came down to support, hype up the runners and volunteer their time. The support the Gym and Friends Fighting Cancer have received online already following the event has been mind-blowing. Jetts Gym really stands out for its sense of community, where everyone supports each other, regardless of fitness ability, age or gender.

Organisers also recognised everyone who sponsored, donated or participated in any way, no matter how big or small. Every contribution helped reach the outstanding total of £24,500, which will go directly to Friends Fighting Cancer and the families they support.

The 24 Hour Limitless Challenge was a huge success, not only for the participants but also for the incredible work of Friends Fighting Cancer. The charity continues to provide vital support to people living with serious illness in Portsmouth and surrounding areas, offering practical assistance, comfort and hope when it is needed most. Anyone wanting to learn more about the amazing work they do, or to keep up with future events and ways to get involved, is encouraged to follow Friends Fighting Cancer online and support this truly local cause.

With the mix of incredible community support, personal achievements, and funds raised for a vital local charity, the event showcased the power of people coming together to make a difference. Jetts Gym Portsmouth is already considering future fitness challenges to continue supporting Friends Fighting Cancer and other local causes, promising even more opportunities for the community to unite and give back.