PLUCKY fitness enthusiasts are braving sub zero temperatures in a bid to save lives.
Personal trainers Chris Nicklin, 36, and Luca Lattuada, 31, are running a marathon round Knutsford wearing only speedos and bobble hats!
The pair are raising funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.
READ > Artisan baker GAIL's opens first shop in Cheshire
The daunting challenge was inspired by Chris’s father-in-law, Andy McCluskey.
The 59-year-old was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December during a routine health check and had no symptoms.
Chris, who owns Nxtep Personal Training studio in King Street, Knutsford, said: “My wife’s father went for a routine check up at the doctor’s.
“He uses the gym every day and is super fit. All of a sudden they found these markers and he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“It was fortunate they caught it when they did as they can treat it.
“We wanted to raise awareness as not enough guys get checked out.
“We came up with this idea as something a little bit different.”
The guys have been overwhelmed with support from the local community.
“We’ve been getting lots of beeps and a police car used their sirens to spur us on,” said Chris, who is doing the marathon throughout January.
“We ran in zero degrees in the snow.
“We do a little warm up in the studio and stick our wooly hats on to keep our brains warm.
“When you set off it is very cold but once you get into the run and you get cheers, you forget about the cold and start enjoying it.”
The whole family has teamed up to support the fundraising.
Andy and his son, Dean are running a marathon over three fells, climbing 7,750 feet up and down 14 peaks in the Lake District.
Andy’s wife, Tracy is walking 27 miles throughout the month.
Chris’s wife, Jessica is also stepping out to complete a marathon during January, carrying four-month-old daughter, Elizabeth.
Dean’s wife, Chloe, is doing her own dry January by giving up tea and coffee as she is an avid tea drinker.
Together, they’ve already raised £3,400.
“We’ve already passed our target of £2,000, said Chris, who became a football coach when he was 17 and completed a sports coaching degree.
“I’ve always wanted to lead people in their health and wellbeing.
“Our oldest client is 75 and the youngest is 21.
“People love the reassurance of having a one-to-one session. They are always guided by a professional and never left on their own., “Some people don’t feel comfortable in a gym, they don’t know what to do.
“We help them to have that confidence.”
To donate to the fundraising appeal visit runthemonthme.prostatecanceruk.org/fundraising/andy-macs-14-mountain-peaks-fell-run-marathon
For more details about Chris's studio visit nxteppersonaltraining.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here