Spinners brave rain and thunder to raise cash for Severn Hospice

About 50 people took part in a four-hour spinathon in The Square in Shrewsbury on Saturday.

The event was organised by the Body Tech group, with those taking part travelling from gyms in Oswestry, Whitchurch and Market Drayton as well as Shrewsbury to join in.

Tough

Fitness instructor, Kieran Goussaert said it was a tough challenge.

"Spin sessions in the gym are usually just one hour long. I usually do the spinathon with the members so I know how tough it is," he said.

"Four hours is a long time to be on the bikes but we have our staff encouraging them from the front and making sure they have water and plenty of carbohydrates to keep them going.

"It is such as shame that the weather was against us as this year they had to deal with the rain and cold as well," he added.

"Those who took part were so dedicated to carry on through the rain."

"We hold the Spinathon every year to raise money for Severn Hospice because the hospice is very close to the hearts of some of the members of staff.

"We hope to raise several hundred pounds this year."

Two of the most dedicated cyclists were Phil Edwards and Joe Shiel.

"They cycled on their road bikes the 18 miles from Oswestry to Shrewsbury in a thunderstorm, took part in the four-hour spinathon and then cycled back.

"The storm was horrendous on the way to Shrewsbury," Phil said.

"I certainly didn't bring enough changes of clothes."