TWO boys have been praised after braving freezing temperatures to walk a marathon in a day and raise more than £6k for Holmes Chapel Boxing Club.

Club members Ollie Brundrett (11) and Alfie Chalk (13) wanted to do their bit to help the club they love buy new equipment for its new home and settled on the marathon walk which took them over eight hours to complete.

Knutsford Guardian: Ollie and Alfie walked a marathon in a day to raise funds for Holmes Chapel Boxing Club.

Ollie and Alfie walked a marathon in a day to raise funds for Holmes Chapel Boxing Club.

Speaking to the Guardian, Ollie's mum Leanne, who is also a volunteer at the club, said she was so proud of the boys for their efforts, as they pounded the back streets between Holmes Chapel and Sandbach and back again.

She said: "They said they wanted to give themselves a good challenge and it was certainly that.

"In the wind on Saturday it was minus six and I don't think they got warm at any point.

"The boys are just very thankful to the community for all their help and support.

"Even Mrs Riley, one of the teachers from Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, turned up and walked with them at a social distance for one of the toughest parts.

"They cannot believe the support from the Co-op, Costa coffee, U7 Street Food and the sponsorship money they have received.

"It’s incredible."

Ollie, who joined the club when it started two years ago, explained why he was so determined to his bit to help.

He said: "The boxing club means everything to me.

"I love training at the club and it helps me get motivated to get fit and stay healthy.

"I know the club helps a lot of children in the village and the surrounding areas to keep fit and stay out of trouble.

"The boxing club is not just somewhere to box but also a place to meet friends and have fun.

"The club helps lots of people and there is something for everyone, even if having a boxing match is not what you want to do.

"I wanted to raise money so they can provide some amazing equipment, not only for me but all the boxers in the club and the community of Holmes Chapel."

Knutsford Guardian: Ollie and Alfie took a pit stop and a moment to get warm at Costa Coffee

Ollie and Alfie took a pit stop and a moment to get warm at Costa Coffee.

13-year-old Alfie, who represented the club in his first skills bout in February last year also spoke of his desire to help.

He said: "I am really excited about the opportunities the new club, once its finished, will bring to me, my fellow boxers and the community.

"That was why I decided to join Ollie in his marathon walking challenge."