A FITNESS challenge supported by Bolton Wanderers soccer player Dean Holdsworth raised needy cash for seriously ill children. Local sportsmen and women jumped at the chance at taking part in a gruelling triathlon for children's charity Stella Starlight. Events, staged at the Sebastian Coe Health Club at the Jarvis Hotel at Blackrod, included an ultimate fitness challenge with an indoor triathlon consisting of rowing 600 metres, running two and a half miles and swimming 40 lengths.

The winning team completed the the indoor triathlon in 34 minutes and 3 seconds and included Matt Dixon, rowing, Stuart Bailey, running and Tim Lang, swimming.

The individual event was won by Staurt Hibbert of Westhoughton in 51 minutes and 32 seconds.

The Ultimate Fitness Challenge trophy was won by Gary Taylor of Chew Moor, Bolton in 10 minutes and 34 seconds and the women's event was won by Dawn-Marie Higson from Ladybridge in 10 minutes and 55 seconds.

Wanderers player Dean Holdsworth and soccer mascot Lofty the Lion were at the fitness club to present the prizes.

More than £1,000 was raised in Blackrod coinciding with similar events throughout Britain supported by big name celebrities such as Daley Thompson.

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