10-hour fitness challenge raises £17k for girls in Rwanda

They raised £17,025 through the challenge, and the money will fund a girls’ space vocational hub for a further 18 months.

The fundraiser last month was organised by fitness business owner Kari Spence in support of Together in Sport Rwanda.

Former North Berwick High School pupil Kari is also the founder of the charity, which she started after visiting Rwanda 17 years ago.

Throughout the day, participants took part in a new activity every hour, ranging from beach strength training and rugby to boxing and barre (Image: Kari Spence)

Kari said: "I’m not sure I’ll ever fully be able to put into words how much this day meant to me.

"From the moment the women walked through the door, there was this incredible energy — excitement, nerves and determination — and I just knew they were going to give everything they had.

"Watching them support each other, lift one another through the tough moments and celebrate each other’s wins was so special.

"It was such a powerful example of women supporting women in the best possible way."

Kari Spence is a fitness business owner in North Berwick, and runs classes including a new silent disco fitness programme (Image: Kari Spence)

Participants, aged 23 to 65, completed a different fitness session each hour.

Activities included beach strength training, rugby, boxing and barre, and the event ended with a silent disco fitness class, which is a new addition to Kari’s regular sessions in North Berwick.

She said: "Many of them arrived as strangers, but by the end of the day, it felt like they had known each other for years.

"There was so much laughter, encouragement and genuine connection, it was everything I hoped it would be and more.

"This project in Rwanda is incredibly close to my heart, so to see people come together like this and raise £17,025 is honestly overwhelming.

"Knowing this will support the girls’ space for another 18 months means everything to me.

"I feel so grateful to every single person who made it happen."

A total of £17,025 was raised, which will fund the Girls’ Space Vocational Hub in Rwanda for a further 18 months (Image: Kari Spence)

The Girls’ Space Vocational Hub provides vocational training in tailoring alongside personal, social and emotional development.

It aims to build confidence, teach young women about their rights and values, and help them realise their potential.

The event was supported by local coaches and businesses, with special thanks given to Katy Wakefield for offering MOVE Studio as the team’s base for the day.

After the challenge, participants, friends and supporters gathered at the Masonic Hall for a celebratory finale.

Special thanks were extended to everyone who joined the evening celebrations and helped make the event such a memorable and uplifting community occasion.