A FITNESS instructor had a barrel of laughs when he took on a charity challenge supported by celebrities.

Among the A-listers cheering on Rob Edmond, from Read, as he rolled a Bell’s whisky barrel through the streets of the UK, were actress Joanna Lumley, comedian Fred MacAulay, actor Rufus Hound, presenter Terry Wogan and royal couple Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall, who has recently been taking part in Bear Grylls’s Mission Survive television show.

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Freelance trainer Rob, 40, rolled the large wooden barrel 517 miles from the Blair Athol Distillery, in Perthshire, Scotland, to the Help for Heroes recovery centre in Tedworth House, Wiltshire.

He was hoping to help raise up to £24,000 for the organisation, which helps servicemen and women who have been wounded in Britain’s conflicts.

Father-of-one Rob, said: “It was like a whirlwind. I really enjoyed it.

“But I found it was mentally tiring because there were long days and we had lots to fit in.

“Meeting all of the celebrities was good and it was great to have their support.

“Terry Wogan was as you would expect him to be and Rufus Hound was very playful. We talked about training a lot and I gave him tips and pointers.

“Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall were very down to earth and interested in what we were doing.”

During the challenge, which took nine days and included Rob cycling for parts of the stretch, the fitness enthusiast was managed by a huge team which included a physiotherapist, doctor, PR gurus and a camera crew.

Charity bosses are still counting the amount raised and donations are still coming in.

Rob is hoping to get involved with future challenges.

He said: “I cannot wait for the next one, there is always something coming in.

“Help for Heroes is really important for me because I know people who have really needed help from it.”

To donate £5, text the word ‘Bells’ to 70900.

For more information about Rob, visit www.robedmond.com.