BASINGSTOKE athletes are getting ready to flex their muscles for a fundraising feat that will pull in the pounds for abandoned children in Africa.

Ten members of Basingstoke free running group 3Run are climbing Mount Snowdon, in Wales, this weekend and performing and recording acrobatic tricks on the summit to raise money for Ward 8, a hospital ward in Mbabane, Swaziland, for orphaned or abandoned children, many of whom are disabled or have HIV.

3Run member James Stokes, from Popley, Basingstoke, said funds raised by the March 21 event will help create foster homes for some of the children to become part of a proper family, and enable them to receive vital medical treatment.

James, 24, said: “We wanted to do something for charity and to help people because that is a big part of what we are about.

“So we are hoping to raise as much money as possible, but it’s also for the physical challenge of it.”

The group of athletes, many of whom work as professional stunt doubles and are famous in the world of free running, became teenage friends when they were at the former John Hunt of Everest Community School and Fort Hill Community School.

Scott Young, from Buckskin, Basingstoke, said: “I’m really looking forward to it – it’s going to be a huge challenge.

“Each member has invited about 10 people along so there will be a big convoy the night before and a lot of people climbing the mountain – there’s going to be a great vibe.

“We aim to be tricking for at least two hours to film enough footage to make a video, and we will then travel back that day.

“It will be completely freestyle because we can’t predict what the mountain is going to be like.”

The 20-year-old added that they should have no problem raising their minimum target of £3,000. Footage from the event will be screened at a London venue in the next few months, and will be posted on their website.

As well as Scott and James, the group includes 23-year-old Chase, 21-year-old Cole, and 18-year-old Cane Armitage, Shaun Andrews, 20, Sam Parham, 21, Nathan Barris, 21, Curtis Small, 27, Matthew Kaye, 21 and Adam Brashaw, 24.

Free running is known as an urban sport where athletes interact with their environment and use obstacles to perform tricks, such as backflips, somersaults and a range of acrobatic movements.

The athletes train in the gym so they are strong enough to perform the tricks, and they practice and hone their moves in a safe environment before trying them outdoors.

Anyone who wants to donate can visit justgiving.com/ward8.