A personal trainer and a gym owner have helped to raise more than £5,000 for a local hospice after organising a day of gruelling gym classes.

Personal trainer Emilie Bradbury, 25, and gym owner Jaime Hibbert, organised a 'Charity Challenge' to raise money for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice (Dougie Mac).

Together with a raffle and bake sale, a total of £5,460.89 was raised – smashing Emilie's target of £2,000.

Emilie and Jaime organised the challenge, which consisted of five gym classes including Pump, Attack, Pilates, Grit and Dance Fitness, to help raise funds after Emilie's grandad was cared for by Dougie Mac both at home and in the hospice.

Former firefighter John Leese, 82, was diagnosed with mesothelioma - a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos – and died in the hospice on 18 October last year just six-weeks after diagnosis.

Emilie said she was struck by the "compassion, kindness and dedication shown by all of the Dougie Mac team which was truly amazing as they made sure her grandad was comfortable and treated with dignity, while also supporting the family during an incredibly difficult time".

"We would like to thank the whole gym community and extended families who showed their support for our fundraising by taking part in the gym sessions and donating through our JustGiving page and to those who raised money on the day through the bake sale and raffle – we couldn't have done it without them," said Emilie.

"The care was brilliant – both at home and in the hospice - so this fundraising was our way of giving something back and saying thank you for the wonderful care he received."

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Emilie and Jaime organised the five, one-hour consecutive gym classes on Sunday, January 25.

Each class, which was held at the Jaime Hibbert Personal Training Studio in Hartshill, was full with around 35 participants per class.

The event was attended by the community of gym members who brought family members along to enjoy the event.

A spokesperson for Dougie Mac said that the funds "will help Dougie Mac continue to provide specialist care services to local adults, young adults and children living with life-limiting illnesses in Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and the surrounding areas, as well as offering support to their families and carers."