IPSWICH Town players have backed an SOS call for vital lifeboat funding by taking part in a fitness challenge.

Russell Claydon

IPSWICH Town players have backed an SOS call for vital lifeboat funding by taking part in a fitness challenge.

Moritz Volz, Danny Haynes and former Town player Simon Milton turned out at the David Lloyd Gym in Ipswich yesterday to cheer on a team of RNLI lifesavers and fundraisers as the two went head to head in a rowing, running and cycling test.

The exercise challenge was put on to encourage people to support the charity's yearly fundraising appeal on January 30.

Defender Volz also joined in the fun on the cycle bike and rowing machine, while Haynes, who picked up a knock in training, acted as a referee and starter for the event.

He said: “It is important to support them as they save lives day in day out and they need local support.

“It is all about team work like us but it is a different kind of fitness which they need and it is a difficult job.”

The team of operations staff based at Ransomes Europark in Ipswich managed to hold onto their reputation in a narrow win over the Hadleigh-based fundraisers.

The RNLI, which relies solely on voluntary contributions from the public, have saved more than 137,000 lives since they were founded in 1824.

Anyone who wants to find out more about how they can get involved and support the RNLI's 2009 SOS Day can get a free fundraising pack by calling 0845 121 4999. Alternatively, for more information and ideas, visit www.rnli.org.uk/sos.