Lower Darwen weightlifter makes light work of raising cash for hospice (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Lower Darwen weightlifter makes light work of raising cash for hospice

6:00pm Tuesday 4th December 2012 in News By Sophia Rahman, Reporter

STRONGMAN Carl Wallbank made light work of lifting more than two and a half times his body weight.

The crowd in Lower Darwen’s St Paul’s Working Men’s Institute fell silent as owner Carl deadlifted 340kg for East Lancashire Hospice.

His partner and event organiser Hannah Gee said: “When Carl lifted it everyone’s mouths fell open, they couldn’t believe it. Everyone was cheering and it was buzzing in there and then suddenly everyone was stunned!”

During the event, 17 amateur and professional competitors battled it out in for titles in light, middle and open weight challenges.

Carl, 36, who has been lifting weights since he was 15, said: “I didn’t really notice what was going on I was so hyper into my lift. I really enjoyed it. It was less pressure than usual because it was for the hospice, not just for winning.”

Event fundraiser Denise Gee thanked to everyone who competed or attended and said: “We are delighted that Carl chose to donate the proceeds.”

The event raised £750, all of which was donated to the hospice.