A FOUR-hour karate marathon held in Bracknell recently raised thousands of pounds for a children's hospice.

Silwood Park Karate Club raised more than £4,000 for Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Trust during a mammoth training session involving 50 of their members at St Crispins School in Wokingham.

The marathon saw members taking part in punches, blocks, kicks, self-defence, kata and conditioning on one of the hottest days of the year to raise £4,610 for the Trust.

Daniel Rose, manager of Silwood Park Karate, said: “The club wanted to support a local charity and the Children's Hospice is very close to our hearts which is why we chose to donate to Alexander Divine.

“The support of all the members was amazing and we had very good representation from the club. It was a very hot day for the event and everyone did really well for pulling through the four hour marathon, especially the younger children.”

Bracknell News:

Triumphant after three hours with Alexander Devine Trust

The club support different charities each year but smashed their average yearly fundraising target of £3,000 during the karate marathon.

The money raised, helped by online donations, was given to Susie Knowles, community fundraising officer from Alexander Devine.

She said: “We are thrilled to be supported by Silwood Karate Club as they took on this mammoth challenge.

“A big thank you to all involved for raising such a remarkable amount of money, this will make a huge difference to our local charity.”