A Sheffield woman has decided to take on the 50 squats a day in May challenge to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Sophie Martin-Wynn, 22, from Sheffield said she aims to raise £100 for the charity through a Facebook fundraiser. She will be doing 50 squats every day in May, along with everyone else taking part in the challenge.

Sophie said: “I’ve been looking for a way to get fitter after lockdown and an advert came up on Facebook for the challenge so I thought why not make a start to get in shape while helping a good cause. I haven’t personally been affected by pancreatic cancer but I have a few family members who have had other kinds of cancer so it’s still close to me and an amazing charity. I’m always more than happy to help if I can.”

She plans to try and do a different challenge every month throughout the year for different charities, with this being her first one. Sophie used to dance at college and therefore keep fit but lockdown has lead her to become unfit, especially since gym’s have been closed. She said: “I’ve definitely put on some lockdown weight, I think it will be a challenge but one I’m 100% ready for. I just want to spread awareness and hopefully by doing so I can help someone somewhere.”

Sue Collins, Director of Fundraising at Pancreatic Cancer UK, said: “We are so grateful that the team in Sheffield are supporting us and we would like to wish them the very best of luck with the challenge.

Pancreatic cancer does not stop during a global pandemic – thousands of people up and down the UK are facing this cruel disease and will be especially vulnerable at this time. The money raised from this challenge will help us be here for people who need support from our specialist nurses today, and will help us continue the cutting-edge research needed to transform survival for the deadliest common cancer now and in the future.”

Pancreatic cancer is currently facing an emergency, with more than half of people diagnosed with it, dying within the first three months. Pancreatic cancer UK are encouraging people across the UK to take part in the 50 squats a day in May challenge to raise vital awareness and help funding to research breakthroughs.