From eating fiery chillies to epic 24-hour exercise marathons, Northampton people have risen to the challenge of raising money for Red Nose Day.
Scores of events have been taking place across the county today for Comic Relief’s bi-annual fund raising extravaganza.
Members at Nuffield Health at Sixfields donned 80s gear and took part in fitness marathons to raise cash.
They included our own photographer Kirsty Edmonds, and Image Magazine editor Ruth Supple.
Sales executive Lindsey Henderson said: “We have done double spin back-to-back classes for an hour and 45 minutes, and a two-hour Les Mills mash-up.
“Yesterday we did a two-hour spin session which raised £50, and on Wednesday we did a staff bake-off which raised £125.
“About 60 or 70 members have taken part. We try and get involved in charity bits because Nuffield is a charity as well.”
Over at Northampton General Hospital, Mark Richardson, aged 43, of Harlestone and friend Martin Quenby, aged 22, of Kingsthorpe are taking part in a 24-hour indoor triathlon, at the Cripps Recreation Centre.
It is billed ‘the captain’s challenge’, as Mark is the outgoing captain of St Crispin and Ryelands Cricket Club, with Martin his replacement.
The pair are rowing, cycling and running in half-hour slots and will finish at 8pm.
Asked what made him take on the challenge, Mark said: “That’s a tricky one. It’s to try and keep fit and just to fend off middle age.
“Round about 4am or 5am there was a lot of pain going on, and I’ve had guests do the odd half-hour.
“It seemed like a good idea at the time, and Martin said yes in a weak moment. We are going to be recovering with Kronenbourg.”
Martin said: “It’s tough on the legs, but the adrenaline is kicking in and keeping me going.”
There was a fiery challenge taking place at Barclaycard in Northampton - the chilli challenge.
Six brave staff members tried 10 types of chilli, each hotter than the last. And Paul Hodgson, Amy Halford, Anthony Rawson, Kirsty Heeler, John Sanigar and Wesley Gee all survived to tell the tale.
John said: “I like hot sauces so I feel pretty good. It didn’t really touch the sides. I love it.
“Midway through I felt pretty rough, but I just powered through.”
Kirsty said: “I feel fine, surprisingly. It was an experience! Let’s say I won’t be repeating it for a while. But we had lots of yoghurt and milk, so I just kept knocking it back.”
Anthony said: “I feel a bit lightheaded but I would do it again - you’re not going to die. I just got stuck in, but I don’t think people appreciate just how disgusting it is.”
Organiser Alex Elliott said: “The idea came up in a conversation with a friend about what to do for Comic Relief, because we are both into spicy food.
“They have done really well. I’ve had some of the vodka and it’s tough. It feels like it’s burning you from inside. They dealt with it well - I’m very impressed with them.”