TWO martial arts academies are taking on a 24-hour challenge to raise funds for a charity.
Adult and child members of Gracie Barra Maldon and Gracie Barra Chelmsford will participate in the 'Grapplethon', a 24-hour non-stop charity sparring challenge.
Gracie Barra is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy established in 1986 by martial artist Carlos Gracie Jr.
His father, Carlos Gracie Sr, was one of the founders of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
The Grapplethon involves at least one sparring pair on the mat at all times during the 24-hour session.
The academies are fundraising for Farleigh Hospice, which provides hospice care in Mid Essex to people affected by life-limiting illnesses.
In the build-up to the big day, individuals can set themselves challenges and also book time slots for when they will participate in the Grapplethon.
Members of Gracie Barra Maldon also participated in the CompNet European Championship 2024.
The competition is for Gracie Barra academies only, with some participants travelling from France to compete.
The Grapplethon will take place from 12noon on April 20 to 12noon on April 21, at Gracie Barra Chelmsford.
The fundraising effort has already accumulated more than £4,000.
Beth Carroll, manager at Gracie Barra Maldon, said: “We are incredibly proud of the community we have built here in Maldon and that is down to the kindness and support of all our members.
“We can’t wait to raise as much money as we can for Farleigh Hospice during the Grapplethon.
“We look forward to introducing more local people to the art of Brazilian jiu jitsu.”
To visit the challenge’s GoFundMe page, visit: justgiving.com/team/teamgrapplethonheroes.
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