A BROMSGROVE gym has raised an impressive amount for a charity it has successfully teamed up with.

Altered Images, in Worcester Road, has held several fund-raising events supporting the Stroke Association over the past year.

The partnership between the charity and gym began after long-standing Images member Pete Rumbold suffered a stroke.

Mr Rumbold was a non-smoker who trained five times a week, ate healthily and played competitive racketball, so the stroke came as a shock.

The stroke happened in 2011 when he had to cut a training session short after having an awful headache.

Following the stroke he was paralysed on his left side and unable to speak.

But he was supported in his successful rehabilitation by staff and members at Altered Images, including friend of 20 years, manager Paul Costello.

"My aim is to bring stroke awareness into the fitness industry," Mr Rumbold said.

"With Paul's support it is my goal to make Images the base for stroke awareness and by doing so, if it saves one person going through this nightmare, I feel it would have made my survival worthwhile."

The partnership with the charity grew after the association opened its national headquarters - the Life After Stroke Centre - in the town.

Throughout this year staff at the gym organised various fund-raisers including sponsored fun runs and a zumbathon, all helping to raise £1,300 for the charity.

Similar events are already being planned for the new year and the gym's team leader, Lara Jackson, is also running the London Marathon next April to support the charity.

Mr Costello said: "The transformation in Pete, and other stroke survivors, has been inspirational.

"As well as raising money, we are hoping members can take part in the Stroke Association's events next year, as part of the partnership."

Claire Benfield, from the Stroke Association, said: "We are so grateful for the support from Altered Images.

"The money raised will help stroke survivors in the area - £600 will be going directly to the young stroke survivors group, which meets regularly at the Life after Stroke centre."

She added the local partnership had proved very fruitful and the charity was looked forward to it continuing in the future.

An open day event, showing what the gym has to offer stroke survivors, is also being organised for next month.

For more details contact the gym on 01527 874395, email frontdesk@altered-images.co.uk or visit altered-images.co.uk.

For more on the charity visit stroke.org.uk.