A CLACKMANNANSHIRE healthy lifestyle centre has organised a 24-hour fitness marathon to raise money for a Tillicoultry youngster.

Local residents can dig out their exercise gear and take part in the sponsored event at Wee County Wellness in Alloa next month, which is being held in aid of Freya-Rose Hunter.

The five-year-old has complex health needs – severe cerebral palsy, epilepsy, chronic respiratory problems, spinal curvature, is blind, immobile and cannot eat or speak, which means she requires 24 hours a day care – and the money will go towards a sensory garden and associated room for her.

It is the latest in a long line of fundraising activities for the youngster and mum Carolynne said it’s a “lovely feeling” knowing people in the county care about her daughter.

She said: “I’m overwhelmed and feel very much supported by the amount of people in our community that have organised fundraising events and donated to Freya for her to be able to have comfort in her wee life at home with her family.” Celia Flanagan, a clinical nurse who kick-started Wee County Wellness, has organised the challenge.

She explained: “I run a small fitness and wellness business and our goal is to bring our community together to live a healthy active lifestyle. We have people from all walks of life all with different reasons and goals. Over the last two years we have grown and seen some amazing changes in people.

“We do lots of small events as a team and we wanted to do something to help a local charity. I’ve done a similar event when we opened, for Mackenzie Furniss, and it was a fabulous day. One of our members recommended Freya and we went to meet Freya and her mum and were touched by her journey.” Those who take part will be able to work up a sweat doing a number of different exercises.

There will be Zumba, Clubbercise, Boxercise, Body Blast, Cobrafit, Burlesque, Boogie Bounce, PiYo Live, Insanity, Fit Club, Runfit, Aerobics, Body Conditioning and Circuits.

Celia added: “We have a few fitness professionals at Wee County Wellness and with so many classes to suit all levels I came up with a fitness marathon going over 24 hours and adding in lots of choices and things to suit all levels.

Each person will donate £10 to enter and raise additional funds through sponsorship.

“They can choose how many hours and what classes they would like to do. As we are a small venue each class will have a maximum of 12 inside and 20 outside so we could only fit everything in over 24 hours.

“We have had lots of interest so far and other fitness instructors from the area have offered their time too and the community has got together to offer help and support at the event.

“I’m hoping to get as many people involved as possible to make this event a success and help Freya to get her sensory room.

“We will have food and drinks and healthy snacks for all the participants to make sure they are all fuelled properly and have some fun activities on the Sunday for all the family. Let’s hope the Scottish weather is kind to us.” Freya now has the perfect bathroom and bedroom for her needs and the sensory area would add to her daily experiences.

Those who have raised money in the past to help improve her life include former MP Gordon Banks, who raised more than £1000 through running the Alloa Half Marathon, and James Michie, who raised over £500 through taking on the Strathearn Marathon.

All funds raised through the marathon on Saturday–Sunday 8 and 9 August will go towards Freya. There will also be a raffle with some great prizes.

For information and to take part contact Celia on 07581414508 or pop into Wee County Wellness, unit 1, Ward Street in Alloa, to arrange registration and get signed up.

To donate to Freya directly visit http://www.gofundme.com/Freya-Rose-Fund