FITNESS fanatics were put through their paces at David Lloyd Bromsgrove – raising heartbeats as well as vital funds for Primrose Hospice.

Four teams of six took part in the Blaze Battle which was eventually won by Bromsgrove Rugby Club.

Also testing their mettle were teams from David Lloyd, Bromsgrove Cricket Club and Bromsgrove Sporting.

They have already raised over £460 and donations can still be made at justgiving.com/fundraising/david-lloyd-bromsgrove.

Blaze is a new HIIT class which is being introduced at David Lloyd gyms across the country that tests  strength, stamina, and willpower as you run, lift and fight.

Participants are fitted with a Myzone heart-rate belt to track their performance.

During the Blaze Challenge, the teams had to keep their heart rate in the ‘red zone’ for nine to 18 minutes and were rewarded points for every minute they remained or disqualified if it went under or over.

Laura Wright, manager of David Lloyd Bromsgrove, said: “We launched our boutique studio Blaze two weeks ago and it has been a huge success at the club; our members are loving it!

“As part of our launch campaign, we wanted to do something that would involve the local community and give something back so the Blaze Battle seemed like the perfect opportunity.

“I approached all three sports clubs and they were very keen from the offset to support the event and help raise as much money for the hospice as possible.

“The event wouldn’t have been such a great success had it not been for the support from the rugby, cricket and football clubs.

“Everyone had a fantastic night on Wednesday and it really did bring all of Bromsgrove’s sporting community together.

“I was obviously hoping for a win for the David Lloyd team but the rugby team were excellent and deserved the Battle Crown.

“Thank you to everyone who has already sponsored us and if you haven’t, there is still time to do so. It really is appreciated.”

Anna Wilson, Primrose Hospice fundraiser, said: “It was fantastic to see three great local sporting clubs come together compete against each other and David Lloyd to promote their new fitness session Blaze, all in aid of Primrose.

“All participants were superstars and everyone who participated put in a massive effort during the Blaze Battle.

“Primrose relies upon the support from our local community to ensure we can continue to provide care and support to our patients and their families at the most difficult of times.”

People living in north east Worcestershire are able to access all of Primrose Hospice’s services free of charge.

However, to continue to provide these services Primrose must raise around £1.75 million per year from trusts, grants and fundraising events such as the Blaze Battle.

Pictures by Henriette Lang