AN iron-pumping pensioner has successfully managed to bench press 30 kilograms a total of 500 times for Cancer Research UK.

Derek Eade, 74, woke up especially early to take on his 6am charity challenge at Fitness At Summers Park, in Lawford.

Derek said: “It went extremely well. When I did a practice run it took me two hours to complete but because I knew I had to do it properly on Saturday, I got a bit anxious and had the butterfly feeling.

“But the feeling went away as soon as I started. I flew through it on the day.”

The challenge took the dad-of-two one hour and 15 minutes to complete.

Derek, who lives in Lawford, said: “It was easier than I thought and I completed it far quicker than the previous time I tried it.

“The total lift was 15,625 kilograms and I managed to get away with minimal aches and I was back in the gym on Monday with quite a tough chest workout.

“It’s madness personified.”

He added: “It is certainly an experience I enjoyed and would not think twice about repeating it or attempting something further for local charities.”

Derek set himself the bench press challenge as part of this year’s Race For Life. Due to Covid-19, the event was renamed A Very 2020 Race For Life, and it meant participants could either tackle a socially distanced run or come up with their own fundraising initiatives.

Derek ran in last year’s Race For Life following his wife Sue’s battle with breast cancer, which she has now overcome.

It was the first year men could participate, and Derek completed a 5km route, in Ipswich.

He said: “Last year’s run was great. If you are running with a lot of other people it is really enjoyable. The comradery is fantastic.

“It does not feel like that running alone so that is why I opted for a bench pressing challenge.”

Sue, 63, and Derek have been married for 40 years. She also went to the gym with Derek to do her bit for charity. While Derek was on the bench press, Sue rowed the equivalent of 5km on the gym’s rowing machine.

She raised £180, which will go to Cancer Research UK.

Their youngest son, Ben, completed a 10km cycle for the same cause.

To sponsor Derek, who has raised £55 so far, visit bit.ly/3mrSsFH.