Members of a fitness and boxing training club put in a knockout performance to raise £1000 for NHS Lanarkshire’s diabetes care.

The group from the Bannan Fitness Club in Coatbridge were inspired by 21-year-old Laura Dolan, granddaughter of one of the club’s founders, who has had diabetes since childhood.

A hardy team of 17 raised the money by taking part in Total Warrior – a punishing 30-obstacle challenge over a muddy 12km course in East Lothian.

Pat Bannan, who helped found the club in the Janet Hamilton Centre seven years ago, said: “We’ve gone from strength to strength over the years, offering fitness training and boxing coaching, and we now have 40 trainers helping to get adults and children in shape.

“One of our goals is to do several fundraising events each year and we have collected thousands for various good causes.

“When my granddaughter Laura pointed out we should do something for diabetes we realised it was the perfect cause for one of our challenges.”

Laura has had type 1 diabetes since she was seven and says he has had great support from the David Matthews Diabetes Centre at Monklands Hospital in Airdrie.

Laura, from Coatbridge, said: “The staff at the centre have been fantastic. I currently visit about four times a year to have my condition checked and that has given me a great insight into the work done there to help people who have diabetes.

“Since my granddad and his friends do so much charity work I thought it would be a great cause for their fundraising.”

Pat and other club members who took part in Total Warrior were delighted when NHS Lanarkshire diabetes consultant Dr Izzy Howat visited the gym to receive the bumper cheque from Laura.

Izzy said: “This was a marvellous fundraising effort and everyone certainly pushed themselves to the physical limit to complete a very tough challenge.

“It’s great to receive such a generous donation and the staff at the centre will make sure it is put to very good use.”