A BOOTCAMP to help south-Asian women get fit after signing up for a 5k race next month has raised £1,000 for Cancer Research UK.

More than 100 women and 40 children from Middlesbrough’s Nur Fitness New Life New You took part in the military-style workout.

Despite many of its members only recently starting to exercise,The self-proclaimed ‘Nur Pink Army’ is training for the charity’s women-only Race for Life on June 21.

The fitness classes are taught by women from the same ethnic backgrounds who understand the cultural issues and potential language barriers.

Shazia Noor, manager of Nur Fitness, based at the Scouts headquarters on Tollesby Road, said: “The event was a huge success. Everyone gave it their all in the military bootcamp and the healthy food snacks were also a hit.

“We raised over £1,000 with donations continuing to come in. All in all, a fabulous day was had by everyone involved and a lot of money was raised for Cancer Research UK.”

Edward Kunonga, Director of Public Health for Middlesbrough Council, said: “New Life New You is an Active Middlesbrough health initiative to help prevent Type 2 Diabetes offering a weight management programme providing physical activity and healthy eating advice to help to improve lifestyle.

“The Nur Fitness ladies are a great example of this programme working at its best; the ladies have taken the challenge of improving their fitness and quite literally run with it.”