The drive to get fit and healthy after the excesses of Christmas has prompted Herne Bay-based Argyll Insurance to sponsor the first Gazette and kmfm Water Walking Challenge.

The challenge is a tough one and guaranteed to burn off the calories, all while raising desperately needed funds for excellent local charities.

The Water Walking Challenge involves participants stepping inside a giant hamster ball and trying to walk, run or roll the length of a swimming pool.

Argyll Insurance is sponsoring one of the three water walking spheres with a donation of £500 and encouraging its staff to take up the challenge.

The first KM Water Walking Challenge will be staged at Herons pool, on the afternoon of Saturday, March 14, and will raise funds for Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent (70 per cent) and the children’s road safety charity Kent Walking Bus (30 per cent).

Co-ordinating yourself is certainly not easy and to go 25m really will be tough, but with three KM Water Walking zorbs lined up next to each other in the pool this lends itself to races and even timed events. Individuals can do this just for fun as well. Organisers have stressed that participants will not get wet and do not have to wear a swimming costume as they are inside the ball, not in the water.

To take part participants must pledge to raise a minimum of £75. This event is for adults only and there is a maximum weight restriction of 15 stone.

Jane Lawrence of Argyll Insurance said: “This looks great fun and both the causes are fantastic. Argyll Insurance has been a supporter of the Kent Walking Bus charity since its creation eight years ago and is delighted to support this event.”

More event sponsors are needed with organisations benefiting from the profile through the Kentish Gazette, kmfm radio and Kentish Gazette website. To discuss this contact Simon Dolby on 07989 164 752.

For your free event pack and further information go to www.kmcharitychallenge.co.uk

The water walking spheres are being provided by Mark Algar of Faversham-based Chillout 'n’ Challenge. He is staging a commercial children’s session on February 16. Contact Herons pool for information.