A POLICE officer has raised more than £1,000 for charity by completing a gruelling six-hour boot camp.

PC Sean Long, who trains officers at Greater Manchester Police’s headquarters in Sedgley Park, Prestwich, pushed himself to the limit by running six fitness classes consecutively to raise money for the Steve Prescott Foundation.

PC Long came up with the idea with gym boss Chris Worthington, who owns Worthy Fitness Centre on the Stirling Industrial Estate, Chorley New Road, Horwich.

Steve Prescott was a former Ireland international rugby league player who lost a seven-year battle with cancer in November last year.

The Steven Prescott Foundation raises money for The Christie and Try Assist, which was previously known as the Rugby League Benevolent Fund.

PC Long, aged 30, said: “Towards the end of the fifth boot camp class, as I was about to go into the sixth, I was really cramping up and I was dizzy as I had done a five-and-a-half-hour workout. I had never done more than two boot camps together.

“I wanted to raise money for the Steve Prescott Foundation because of the man himself. What he did in the six or seven years while he was ill was the biggest thing that made me want to raise money.”

PC Long, from Wigan, was also inspired due to his love of rugby.

He is in the British Police’s Rugby League squad and plays for Spring View Rugby League Club.

His challenge on Saturday at the gym included 120 workout stations involving a mixture of strength and endurance exercises.

PC Long was spurred on by up to 30 people watching the sessions along with the others taking part. Dave Townsend, a gym member, opted to join the police officer for the full six sessions.

The officer’s wife, Catherine, and his children Katy, aged eight, and Gracie, aged four, cheered him on throughout the day.

Gym boss Mr Worthington helped boost funds by organising a raffle, cake sales and opening his gym for the event.

To celebrate the day, gym members joined PC Long for a carvery meal at the Royal Oak in Westhoughton — then he went home for a quiet few beers with his wife.

There was no resting for PC Long who was back training at the gym on Monday. He is now considering his next challenge.

He has thanked everyone for donating money and Mr Worthington for his support.

To donate money, visit justgiving.com/Sean-Long.