WATCH: Strictly Inverness competitor swaps dance floor for cycle machine in 24-hour endurance fundraiser for Highland Hospice
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A MAMMOTH feat of endurance saw an Inverness man embark on an epic 24-hour cycle fundraiser for a Highland charity at the weekend.
Sam Murphy, who teaches PE at Millburn Academy, cycled through the night at PureGym in Inverness after choosing to cycle from 3pm on Friday until 3pm on Saturday – with money raised going towards the Highland Hospice.
The challenge was part of wider fundraising efforts by Sam, who is taking part in this year's Strictly Inverness dance competition in aid of the charity.
And despite already making his Strictly fundraising target ahead of his 24-hour challenge, his determination to raise as much money as possible for the cause saw him take to the gym's cycle machines for one final push.
He certainly succeeded in that aim – generating another £660 for the charity.
A delighted Sam said: "It was just sort of a spur of the moment idea – I just thought 'one last fundraiser' just to finish off the fundraising I was doing.
"I chose the 24-hour cycle because it was something that was a bit of a challenge.
"And it was pretty challenging. My legs were extremely dead at the end of it," he joked.
Related: Fun day double for Strictly Inverness
But despite the arduous nature of his challenge and his fatigue by the end, Sam seems to have bounced back very quickly.
For he was back one the dance floor the following day, continuing his training in the build up to competition's climax at the end of this month.
The Highland Hospice was delighted with Sam's efforts and his determination to go the extra mile in his fundraising endeavours.
A spokesperson for the charity said: "Massive well done to our Strictly Inverness competitor Sam.
"[It was] lovely to see some of his fellow Strictlies popping along to support him. Great effort!"
