A Stroud fitness coach completed 1,000 burpees at the weekend in aid of two children's charities.

Ed Mobbs of Empower Gym, based on Farr's Lane, decided to take up the challenge to raise funds for two worthy organisations close to his heart.

The challenge follows a number of fundraising events that Ed has undertaken since he lost his elder brother Rafe to Leukemia in 2001. Rafe was just 21.

In 2015, Ed completed a tandem skydive and in 2017, he jumped off the world’s highest bungee jump in South Africa. Both events helped him raise thousands of pounds. 

This time the Stroud dad of two chose an activity a little closer to home – and to the ground.

Starting at 11am exactly, with friends and family gathered around for morale, he took two hours and seven minutes of continuous burpees to achieve the remarkable feat.

Was it as hard as it looked, I asked the Stroud dad of two?
"Honestly, yes," he admitted. "There’s no shortcuts to 1000 burpees!" 

"The vibe on the day was amazing and helped me through," he added. "At the gym, we promote a mutually-supportive, family-orientated ethos and this came alive on Saturday with all ages present to cheer me on."

Ed decided he wanted to support Lucy Air Ambulance which offers a free, non-emergency service to transport children between hospitals, plus the childhood bereavement organisation, Winston’s Wish, which offers practical support to bereaved children and their families. 

"With losing Rafe when I was just 19, I can relate to the importance of their services and I want to make a difference by doing fundraisers that will hopefully allow them to continue their work," he said.

Following the challenge, Ed was able to relax and enjoy the social gathering.

"I would like to thank everyone who came to support and those who baked for our delicious bake sale. Thanks to all those who have sponsored me and donated raffle prizes," he added.

And will he be encouraging his fitness clients to take on the challenge any time soon?

"Since I completed the challenge on Saturday, it’s lit a fire under many of my clients and now there’s more talk than ever of what can be done next," Ed said gallantly.  

“I’m searching for ideas as to the next event which I hope can be even bigger than Saturday's effort. I want to continue to raise money and awareness for other great causes,” he chuckled.

"But I do encourage my clients to take on their own fitness challenges and will of course support them through as a matter of course," he said in all seriousness. 

It remains to be seen whether any of Ed Mobbs' clients do will join him in his challenge, but until then Ed is taking a well-earned rest.

"I’m pleased to have ticked this off my bucket list, which has been in the pipeline for seven years. I've been training for it since January 2019."

“Everyone has been really generous and together we’ve raised over £3,500 so far, but if anyone else would like to donate to these great, worthy organisations then please visit my Justgiving page."

Donate towards Ed’s chosen charities, by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/edmobbs1000

Ed Mobbs, EMpower Fitness Coaching is Home of the ‘Fitness Accelerator Program.’ For group and personal traning, call 07753 172881 or visit edmobbspersonaltraining.co.uk