STAFF from a Romsey gym worked up a sweat to raised hundreds of pounds for a Hampshire hospital.

Fitness fanatics raised £540 after taking part in a rowing marathon in aid of the Princess Anne Hospital maternity unit, Southampton.

Now FitStop Romsey manager Hayley Martin has opened up about why she hosted the rowing marathon on January 3.

The 28-year-old from Shirley, Southampton, said: “We started rowing at 10am and we have raised £540 so far as a lot of people have donated to the cause already.

“I decided to do this because I had a difficult first pregnancy as I had a miscarriage.

“When I found out I was pregnant again I was so nervous while carrying Eva and I spent a lot of time in and out of the day unit, as I always wanted reassurance that our little girl was okay.

“I gave birth to Eva on August 27 last year and I realised how truly amazing and helpful all the staff were in the hospital.

“The money raised could be used for so many things from new equipment to help poorly babies or to support families who have lost babies.”

She added: “We have had our coaches take part in the rowing marathon and our members have made us cakes to help us through the day.

“I did not complete the whole marathon, but I managed to row 23,000 metres and that took me just over two hours.

“The others have smashed it today and we try to do at least two to three charity events a year.

“In October we did a competition in London Olympia called Battle Cancer and we raised just over £1,000 for that event.”

FitStop Romsey is a new gym that is set to open on January 13. It is located in Unit 30, Greatbridge Road. Future charity events are planned.