FITNESS enthusiasts endured a 12-hour marathon of exercise to raise money for a cause close to their hearts on Saturday.

Members of the exercise group Dawn Breakers took on high intensity interval training (HIIT) from 6am to 6pm in its annual challenge, this year fundraising for a friend who was left paralysed after an accident in 2015.

Will Bennett, 26, led an active and sport-filled lifestyle before he was paralysed from the waist down, and his family are now desperately trying to raise money for an all-terrain wheelchair so he can continue to do the things that he loves.

A statement from the group, based in West Portway, said: “Will is a friend to many Dawn Breakers and being active, fit individuals ourselves, the thought of having your abilities and independence stripped from you is something that none of us can bear to even think about.

“We are going to do everything we can to help Will reach his target of £50,000 to purchase an adapted van and all-terrain wheelchair so that he can once again have the independence we all take for granted.”

So far Dawn Breakers have raised nearly £10,000 for the former Queen Royal Hussars tank driver, but the group’s aim is to reach £15,000.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dawn-breakers-for-will.