BADDESLEY PERSONAL TRAINER COMPLETES GRUELLING 1,600 PUSH-UPS, LIFTING 168,000 KILOS

FUNDRAISER RAN IN TANDEM WITH AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE'S 40,000th SORTIE

A PERSONAL trainer from Baddesley Ensor has shown im-PRESS-ive form in piling on the pounds to complete a marathon challenge for a life-saving service dear to his heart.

Ben Willis has been passionate about fundraising for The Air Ambulance Service since 2017 when four of his friends were involved in a road traffic collision after returning from a weekend climbing Mount Snowdon.

The incident happened just minutes away from Ben's house and he lost three very close chums that day.

But, thanks to the efforts of the air ambulance crew one survived and is now fit and healthy.

That's why Ben is always extra keen to raise cash to keep the helicopters and critical care vehicles operational around the clock, 365 days a year, in Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.

This summer he chose to take part in the sponsored #40for40 Challenge to achieve a target involving the numbers 4, 40 or 40,000.

He selected 40 press-ups for 40 consecutive days with 40 per cent of his body weight – an extra 30kg – strapped to his chest.

And now the 21-year-old can put his feet up after achieving 1,600 press ups and 168,000kgs lifted.

He said: "It sounds a hell of a lot, and feels like it too.

"But the 105kg was divided into 30kg for the weight jacket and 75kg for my weight – lifted 1,600 times over the 40 days."

Ben missed only one day – and paid for it by having to complete 80 press ups with a "stinking hangover".

He added: "What a 40 days it was, and a massive thank you again for everyone's continued support and donations."

Ben set up a JustGiving page and has been live streaming every one of his 40 press-up sessions on his Facebook page Better With Ben Fitness.