A GROUP of people quite literally stepped up to help keep fitness activities going across the town.

Led by David Wilkinson of Grassroots Sports Academy, the ten-strong group scaled the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge last weekend.

For the second year running, nine-year-old George Davis was the youngest to take part, alongside his dad Ryan, with David saying he was a real driving force.

David said: “George has absolutely smashed it both times, even egging us all on to keep going when it got tough and was an all-round entertainer all the way through, stating he wanted to take on the challenge to help the ‘old folk be happier’.

“I want to give a special mention to Michelle Coupland, too.

“She is 59 and has only been training for three-and-a-half months but wanted to challenge herself to show its still possible and hard work pays off.”

The money raised will allow the Cudworth-based Sports Academy to continue providing free activities to care homes.

David added: “I run fitness sessions and mental health bootcamps at Bears Den @ Grassroots based in Cudworth and some of my regulars accepted the challenge.

“This project has been running around three years and we’ve worked with around 60 per cent of care homes in Barnsley so far.

“It’s a very rewarding project with a lot of great feedback and makes a real difference to the lives of the elderly residents so it’s something we’re passionate about continuing by doing challenges to raise funds.

“I am proud of everyone and appreciate everyone’s efforts and also would like to say thank you to all who donated, we don’t have all money in yet but believe we have raised around £750.”

The team also included Lindon Jackson, Mitchell Clogg, Kelly Hunter, Hayden Lee, Sally Robinson and Chloe Spence.