Not many people would celebrate turning 60 years old with a punishing 60-day fitness challenge that gets harder every day. But that’s what Odette Morris, from Trowbridge, has decided to do.
Image
Odette Morris

The regular gym-goer has shunned a big birthday party to instead raise money for Julia's House children's hospice and Help for Heroes, with a mega accumulator workout.

Kicking off the challenge on her birthday, on Saturday 2 October, Odette has been adding a different exercise lasting 60 seconds or 60 repetitions each day.

“I’ll build up to 60 different exercises by the final day of my challenge, including squats, press-ups, bicep curls and tricep dips,” said Odette. “Hopefully it won’t be too painful – I’ve never done 60 days non-stop before.

“I wanted to do something special and memorable for my 60th birthday and I didn’t just want to have a party,” she said. “I know Julia’s House relies on donations for the care they provide in Wiltshire, so I wanted to do this challenge to support them.

“A close family member has stage four cancer and is fighting through it, so it means a lot to me to know I’m helping Julia’s House care for families of children that have cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. I think the work they do is amazing.”

The former paediatric nurse and school child care officer will complete her 60 days of workouts at her home in Trowbridge or at her local gyms – Tribe Fitness Centre and Snap Fitness.

“You’re never too old to start working out, as long as you do it gradually,” Odette added. “It’s definitely more about your mind-set than your age.”

Nicky Clack, Fundraising Assistant for Julia’s House, said, “We’d like to say a huge happy birthday to Odette! We’re so grateful that she’s taken on her 60-day fundraiser for Julia’s House children’s hospice, and wish her the very best of luck with every second and repetition of her challenge.

“We’re reliant on community support to fund our vital respite care for seriously ill children and their families in Wiltshire, so every donation makes a big difference.”

Already, Odette has exceed her target of £200 for her chosen charities. If you’d like to show your support, visit her Virgin Money Giving page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/OdetteMorris