KIND-hearted fitness fanatics are getting set to tackle an obstacle course to raise money to help servicemen and women.

More than 20 members of Harwich Free Fit Club will take on a 5km inflatable run on behalf of the Colchester military charity the Invicta Foundation.

The foundation is on a mission to improve the welfare of war veterans and military families who are going through times of hardship.

The fit club was started by husband and wife team Bridie and Gary Stanford.

Bridie said: “We are proud to be fundraising for a charity that follows the same ethos in changing the welfare of those in need of its services.

“There are a lot of people who wish to go out and lose some weight, make some gains or simply lead a healthier life, but struggle to find the motivation.

“The expense of gyms, personal trainers and fitness sessions can put people off - and that’s where the free fit club comes in.

“We get to see the positive impact exercise has on people’s lives on a daily basis.

“Exercise is not just a way of getting healthier in the body but also a way to de-stress.”

The club has set a fundraising target of £2,200 to help the Invicta Foundation which it aims to achieve through sponsorship, raffles and collections.

Generous runners will line up to start the Chelmsford Inflatable 5k on July 1 and hope to raise sponsorship through it.

The Invicta Foundation was established by Cheryl Hall and Stephen Robertson after their son Ashley Hall, an army sapper, was severely injured in Afghanistan.

Cheryl said: “We are here to guide our clients in making the necessary steps in change and to signpost services from other organisations that may be relevant to them.”

The fit club is welcoming new members on Wednesdays, from 7pm to 8pm at Mistley Village Hall.

To donate visit the fitness club’s mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/harwichfreefitclub.