A POOLE gym owner will tackle a 24-hour bike challenge as “practise” as he embarks on an international charity fundraiser in aid of a Bournemouth stroke unit.

E-Motion Fitness Hub owner Jack Forster, along with his brother Alex, will attempt to cycle on a bike machine for an entire day to raise money for Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s stroke unit.

The event, on November 13, is part of a wider challenge called the Race Across America, in which the brothers will attempt to cycle 3,175 miles across 12 states, climbing in total 170,000 feet within eight days.

33-year-old Jack said: “Initially we thought that 12 hours would be good, but 24 just kicks it up a notch and should make people stand up and take notice.

Bournemouth Echo: (LtoR) E-Motion Fitness Hub owner Jack Forster and former Royal Marine Alex Forster(LtoR) E-Motion Fitness Hub owner Jack Forster and former Royal Marine Alex Forster

“A couple of family friends have suffered strokes and some close friends of ours have seen two uncles go into the stroke unit and not come out.

“It’s a cause that hits home on a personal level so we wanted to do something to show our appreciation for all that they do at the unit because they do such an incredible job.”

Jack, who recently became a father for the first time, added that funds raised would go to helping secure vital equipment to aid stroke victims’ recovery.

“On the 13th, we will have representatives of the stroke unit here, the local business sponsor who is helping me get to America and then the day itself being a fun filled day raising money,” he said.

“I think it’s going to be great but we’re not kidding ourselves, it will be hard.”

Bournemouth Echo: Brothers Jack and Alex Forster will eventually aim to take on the Race Across AmericaBrothers Jack and Alex Forster will eventually aim to take on the Race Across America

Jack, who was raised in Hamworthy and currently lives in Wimborne, and brother Alex – a former Royal Marine – will have a third indoor cycling machine for anyone that wishes to join them and contribute £10 for half an hour or £20 for an hour ride.

Jack added: “We’ll have a telly in the gym but there may be some strange video choices at around 3am. I reckon we’ll put something from Disney on, something to keep us going.”

The ultimate challenge, Race Across America, is a 3175-mile race crossing 12 states from west to east, starting in Oceanside California and finishing in Annapolis Maryland.

Visit gofund.me/df30a360 for more information.