A British powerlifter and ex-firefighter living with motor neurone disease (MND) will take part in the first ever 24-hour lunge marathon tomorrow. 

John Chart 49, had been a firefighter for over 26 years and represented Great Britain in powerlifting, winning five gold medals. 

The marathon will raise money for Lunge 4 MND, a charity established by Chart’s close friend Dean Ash to raise funds and awareness for MND sufferers.  

Chart is a father to four sons and a daughter Gracie who tragically passed away in 2002. 

Chart said: "To say things are hard both physically and mentally is an understatement.

"I thought my luck could not get much worse when my young daughter Gracie died.

"In May 2019 my world was turned upside-down. I was told I have motor neurone disease.

"I cried there and then with my partner and went straight to my boys."

The fundraiser, which has raised over £4,500, will be led by a team from Elev8 Fitness, a personal training gym in Ealing. 

Lunges were chosen for the marathon as this has never been attempted before, and also because it will enable Chart to participate.

Chart has already lost a lot of strength and ability in his arms, as lunges focus on the lower body this make it the perfect challenge for him. 

Lunge 4 MND have applied for the challenge to be recognised as a Guinness World Record. 

Chart will be joined by his son Christopher, 13, Ash, 42, and Nick Snaith from Magic FM.

Lunge 4 MND has gained celebrity backing from the likes of Amanda Byram, who has recorded her tutorial of how to lunge properly here.

Chart’s condition means that his muscle activity will deteriorate, and he has already lost some ability in his upper body. 

He said: "Unfortunately everyday tasks are becoming more difficult now that my symptoms have progressed.

"Any adaptations could cost thousands of pounds. A neat eater designed to spoon food in the air so I can eat costs £5000. The figures are phenomenal."

The money raised by Lunge 4 MND will go towards these essential alterations as well as King’s College Motor Neurone Clinic, where Chart is participating in a Mirocals clinical trial. 

In August, Ash and Chart rode the length of the UK from John O’Groats to Land’s End with the Pilgrim Bandits.

Their efforts received a host of support from celebrities such as Sarah Ferguson and Eddie Redmayne.

This fundraiser inspired Ash to set up Lunge 4 MND to continue to raise funds and awareness for the disease. 

The challenge will take place at Elev8 Fitness Studio and Gym, Ealing. 

You can donate here and follow the marathon here or on Instagram.