A CHARITY 'Beast Boot Camp' event helped strengthen bodies while raising funds to help find a cure for a muscle-wasting condition.

Residents clubbed together for an hour of intense fitness training from Phillip Sheen PT, in order to raise funds for MD UK.

MD UK is a charity focusing on muscular dystrophy and related conditions. They seek to cure or find treatments for muscular dystrophy and other muscle-wasting conditions, and to improve the lives of those affected.

The aim of the Saturday Boot Camp was to raise awareness, as well as funds for the charity, in aid of a five-year-old Buckley boy, Jenson Edwards, who was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was only three years old.

His parents, Hannah Grindley and Craig Edwards of Buckley have been fighting tirelessly to raise funds through various sporting events such as marathons, mountain hikes - and now boot camp sessions.

Since the devastating news of Jenson's diagnosis, over 400 members have joined 'Team Jenson,' a cause which aims to inspire, support and bring together runners of all calibre to raise awareness and funds for MD UK.

Phill Sheen, of Bagillt, decided to support the local cause by sharing expert advice to runners after more than a decade in the strength and conditioning industry.

He said after the event: "I wanted to get on board with Team Jenson because they're doing such an amazing thing. I decided to hold the Beast Boot Camp event for the charity to help team members strengthen their muscles, especially the calves and quads, which are essential for running.

"It was a great turnout, and I'm glad people decided to support the cause and come along to learn some useful tips about 'beasting.' Running, like any other sport, requires muscle training, conditioning, and building stamina, and I'm glad I could help."

Mr Sheen added that he is keen to host more charity events for Team Jenson, and said that after meeting the dedicated members, has become a team member himself.

Mum Hannah said: "Thanks to everyone who came along, it's been so much fun, and you don't know how much it means to us that you've given your time and money to Team Jenson today."