THE end of every day is literally a weight off the shoulders for personal trainer Ben Graham.

Ben, who works at The Unit, at the Acorn Business Centre, in Oldham, pledged to invest in the future of a residential activity centre for disable people by challenging himself to 'live' in a 10kg weighted vest, day in, day out, throughout February.

The 30-year-old, from Greenacres, has been wearing the Dynamic shield vest for 13-14 hours a day and is only allowed to take it off for a shower and while sleeping.

So far he says it hasn't got him down at all - apart from a few blisters on his shoulders - and donations for the Bendrigg Trust, in Cumbria - which specialises in adventure courses for disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages and is where Ben worked as a volunteer - have hit the £2,200 mark.

"I'm buzzing about the total so far," said Ben who is a Crossfit enthusiast and coach.

"It has really taken off beyond my expectations and people have been really generous.

"I tend to have a shower and go straight to bed and that way I can take it off and leave it off.

"The worst time is putting it on in the morning knowing I'm going to be wearing it for 13-14 hours. I'm a bit sore as these vests aren't meant for living in and I was advised against doing it but it's for an amazing cause and I'm determined to see it through.

Ben will finally be able to shed the vest on Sunday, March 2, following a special charity workout class at The Unit to round-off the challenge.

To follow Ben's progress and donate head to Ben's 'Weighted Vest Challenge' fundraiser for Bendrigg Trust Facebook page.