CINDERFORD and Mitcheldean Schools of Tae Kwon-Do came together at Freedom Leisure in Cinderford to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Trust.

Melinda Penman, assistant instructor, said: “Five very brave gentlemen had their chests waxed by Sarah Richards from Your Balance for Life in Lydbrook and everyone took part in a Kickathon of 1000 or more kicks. There was a cake sale and, within the club, we also had a ‘how many sweets in the jar’ competition, which was won by Fay Henley-Day.

“We’ve easily beaten our £1,000 target and donations are still coming in. I was diagnosed with the condition in 2000 and MS is the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults, affecting 100,000 people in the UK.

“The MS Trust has been a great source of support to us over the years, and we’ve loved being able to give something back.”

“We’d originally set the Kickathon for the primary school children at 500, and the older members at 1,000, but everyone was having such fun that they carried on kicking, and then did 500 punches followed by press-ups, sit-ups and star jumps.”

“I’d like to thank my husband, instructor Ken Penman, who’s original crazy idea to have his chest waxed for charity became our Tae Kwon-Do clubs’ Big Fundraising Day, the other guys, James Gilding, Scott Leonad, Stanley Bailey and Tony Hopkins for being game enough to agree to being waxed as well, Sarah from Your Balance for Life for doing the waxing, Jackie Beach for organising the cake sale, and everyone at the club for continued support throughout. We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of our Tae Kwon-Do family and beyond, thank you so much.”

To donate, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/TAGBCinderford. For information about the MS Trust, visit www.mstrust.org.uk.