FITNESS fans worked up a sweat to help raise more than £200 for the Stroke Association after being inspired by a Runcorn stroke survivor.

Sweat Camp, on Highfield Road, Widnes, teamed up with Emma Pitt on August 2 to host the 40 minute boot camp session, followed by several hours of fitness based games.

Former Brookvale High pupil Emma, aged 39, suffered a major stroke while on her honeymoon in Malaysia in 2009.

Five years’ later, Emma has made an extraordinary recovery and recently completed the demanding BTR Tour of Merseyside, where she raised more than £700 for the Stroke Association. The challenge saw her complete 52 miles over six days as one of just 160 runners in six separate races across the county.

For the past year, Emma trained regularly with personal trainer, Paul Atkinson, co-owner of Sweat Camp. Paul and his business partner, Steve Cooper, were so inspired by Emma’s story they organised the boot camp event to raise funds for the Stroke Association.

Paul said: “Emma is the most positive person I train. We work out in groups and all the others love the energy she brings to the sessions.

"My grandmother Sylvia also sadly passed away of a stroke 16 years ago, so the Stroke Association is a cause close to my heart. We had around 25 people down to the studio on the day and are really pleased with the amount raised. I’ve even signed myself up to take part in an abseil for the Stroke Association next year.”

Emma said: “Paul has been a great support to me throughout not only my training for the BTR Tour, but for the past year. He has helped me to become not just fit, but strong, and has trained me to life weights I never thought possible, all of which have helped me to become a better runner.”