A FITNESS instructor from Reigate has raised £14,500 for The Children's Trust.
Paul Prothero, a British Military Fitness (BMF) instructor who holds sessions at Priory Park, organised a charity ball after the Tadworth-based charity gave him 16 of their places for the 2015 London Marathon.
In return, the 33-year-old set himself the target of raising £50,000 to give back to the charity, which provides specialist care for severely disabled children.
The charity ball was held at Epsom Downs race track last month, with more than 20 BMF staff, members and friends attending.
There were 15 auction prizes in total, including a ski chalet for a week, a day in London being chauffeur-driven to the Gherkin for a candlelit meal for two, and two hours' coaching with a world level boxing coach.
The final auction prize was for Paul and another BMF instructor to visit the auction winner's house and cook them a meal – this particular prize made £600 alone.
Paul, who is now organising his next event to reach his grand total, said he was "overwhelmed" by the support. "The attendance was one thing, but the total amount raised is just phenomenal," he added.
