Father and son do some '˜serious lifting'

Ian and James Womersley lifted more than 100,000 Ibs of weights at a fundraiser for Deborah’s Strike Academy.

In October, 21 youngsters from the club are hoping to take part in the world championships in Portugal - but they need to raise £10,000 to pay for the trip.

Saturday’s weight lifting challenge was held at AS Fitness Gym, on Barnsley Road, Hemsworth, before a fun day at the Kinsley Hotel, where the club trains.

Ian and James Womersley smashed their target by completing the challenge in under an hour.

Former councillor Ian said: “It went very well. Much better than we expected.

“We were doing some serious lifting. I was tired afterwards on Sunday but I’m back on form now.”

Dozens of youngsters from the academy have won kickboxing titles and continue to compete in Europe and further afield.

Mr Womersley added: “Since 2010, we have had just over 90 world titles out of that gym.”

Jonathan Milne, whose daughters Sienna, 9, Lhiana, 10, and Ebony, 12, go to the club, said: “It was a brilliant day on Saturday.

“At 58 years old, Ian is just amazing.”

A barbecue, bouncy castle and tombola were held as part of the afternoon fundraiser.

And more events are planned to help pay for the Portugal trip.

Mr Milne said: “We are urging people to donate whatever they can.

“Everything we can get is much appreciated.

“I’d like to thank Gordon and Bev at the Kinsley Hotel, and the Farm Shop in Hemsworth.”