Bodybuilders take on 24-hr challenge

Bodybuilding brothers Zack and Callum McGuirk are to tackle a 24-hour training session at the Universe Gym in Marton to raise funds for Trinity Hospice.
Pictured on the treadmills are Zack (left) and Callum, being watched by Billy Greenwood (centre) and gym owners Joony Toomey (left) and Karl Etherington. PIC BY ROB LOCK
11-2-2016 — Bodybuilding brothers Zack and Callum McGuirk are to tackle a 24-hour training session at the Universe Gym in Marton to raise funds for Trinity Hospice. Pictured on the treadmills are Zack (left) and Callum, being watched by Billy Greenwood (centre) and gym owners Joony Toomey (left) and Karl Etherington. PIC BY ROB LOCK 11-2-2016

Fitness fanatics Callum and Zack McGuirk, from Marton, both compete in the UK Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation – with Zack being named British champion in 2013.

Now they are putting their passion for sports to use in a day-long treadmill run at the Universe 24-hour Gym in Marton, alongside 48 other gym members in memory of their aunt, Catherine, who died from breast cancer in 1993.

Callum, who works as a personal trainer at the gym, said: “She spent some time in Trinity Hospice and I know they did a great job looking after her and still do with people to this day.

“I have always wanted to do something in her memory and now felt the right time to get something organised, we have the facilities and backing from people, my supplement sponsor BSN and Blackpool and The Fylde College.”

The 26-year-old added: “Many other gym members have also had family members who have spent some time in Trinity Hospice through illness.

“We all felt Trinity was the charity of choice, especially with it being based locally.

“We want to give something back to them for helping our families and friends and raise awareness.”

The brothers are aiming to raise more than £1,000 for the hospice.

Callum said: “I think the event will be a success. Our target is £1,000 but I think we’ll easily get that.

“At a stretch I think we could raise two or three thousand.”

Zack, 29, who works as an electrician, said: “I’m in training every morning and every night. I’ll be the one running at 2.30 in the morning, but it should be OK because I get up at 4.30am to get to the gym and do cardio before work anyway.

“I hope we can help the hospice make it not as painful for people there.”

Linzi Young, head of fund-raising at Trinity Hospice said: “People do some incredible challenges for us, but it’s very hard to imagine 24 hours non-stop in the gym!

“What an amazing way to raise money for the hospice. Good luck to the guys and a big thank you from everyone here – we’ll be thinking of you.”

Callum and Zack’s 24-hour challenge will take place on March 11.

People can donate to their cause online at www.justgiving.com/UnverseGym24hrFitnessChallenge