Fundraisers put in a heroic effort to raise nearly £1,500 from a live workout in aid of the Dorset County Hospital Charity’s Covid-19 appeal.

Gyms First Class Fitness, New Body Fitness and Bridport-based Luke Hayter Fitness joined forces for the ‘Not all Heroes Wear Capes’ online workout session.

More than 70 people took part in the fancy-dressed themed fundraiser from their own homes via Zoom before joining in the weekly clap together for the NHS.

Marcus Biles of First Class Fitness, Luke Hayter of Luke Hayter Fitness and Nick Bell of New Body organised the event, which raised a total of £1,485.

Marcus, who dressed as Batman for the workout, said: “It was amazing to get so many people on screen working out from their living rooms and gardens.

“Doing the clap together at the end was the perfect ending to a great fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who joined in and donated.”

Marcus, Nick and Luke took it in turns to lead the live workout for about 20 minutes each. Members of their gyms and fitness groups, family members and wellwishers joined in the fun.

New Body’s gym is on the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth, First Class Fitness’ gym is at Southill in Weymouth, and Luke Hayter Fitness is based in Bridport.

DCH’s Covid-19 Appeal funds initiatives to support staff, such as nutritious snacks and drinks to help boost the morale of those on the frontline, including the emergency department, the critical care unit and other care wards.

Proceeds also help provide blow-up mattresses or camp beds to enable staff to grab some much-needed sleep if there is not the chance to return to their accommodation, for tables and chairs outside for valuable breaks in the fresh air and in many other ways.

So far it has raised more than £109,000.

To find out more about the Dorset County Hospital Charity Covid-19 appeal visit https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/about/DCH-charity/Pages/COVID-19-Appeal.aspx