A former military man is encouraging the public to take part in a weightlifting challenge to help raise funds for a hospital appeal.

Ex-weapons engineer Mark Flowers, who now runs Motiv8 Exercise and Fitness Gym, in King's Lynn, has set the ambitious challenge of lifting the equivalent of three Concorde aeroplanes during a gruelling six-hour session.

He is hoping members of the public will join in teams to help lift their way to the 250 tonnes target – and it's all in aid of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Excel Appeal.

The appeal, which is supported by the EDP, aims to raise £50,000 for specialist equipment to improve the hospital's care of the elderly.

Mr Flowers said: 'This event will be an eye-opener.

'It's to raise money for the appeal and also to show everyone that you don't have to be a big body-builder to lift heavy weights.'

Members of the Royal Air Force's powerlifting team have already pledged their support – and will be at the event at Tesco Extra, Hardwick, King's Lynn.

The session will be broken down into hour-long parts, during which teams of three people will perform 20 minutes of squats, bench-press and deadlifts. Laura Gathercole, Tesco community champion, said: 'We're pleased to be working with Motiv8 again to raise funds for the Excel Appeal.'

The event is on June 25, from 10am-4pm. For information on how to take part call Mr Flowers on 07557 517644.

To donate to the appeal visit www.justgiving.com/qehkl-excelappeal, or pay by cheque: payable to the Excel Appeal and send to Laurence Morlaàs, fundraising executive, QEH, Gayton Road, King's Lynn PE30 4ET.

Are you fundraising for the appeal? Email nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk