Luton’s 80-year-old blind fundraising hero celebrates another major weightlifting milestone towards his 600 pound target with a second visit from Deadpool.

Phil Rutter has now lifted an incredible 4 million pounds in weight in aid of CHUMS, the Bedfordshire based charity he has supported for more than 20 years.

Phil marked the achievement dressed as He-Man at Lewsey Leisure Centre, where he was congratulated on his efforts by a special returning visitor – Luton’s Deadpool.

Phil began his challenge in July, aiming to lift a combined total of six million pounds in weight and raise £60,000 for CHUMS. He has completed two-thirds of his physical challenge, leaving a further two million pounds to go.

Phil took on his latest challenge at Lewsey Leisure Centre

placeholder image — Phil took on his latest challenge at Lewsey Leisure Centre

The challenge involves Phil training two to three times a week, completing thousands of repetitions as he works towards his target. Despite being registered blind, Phil has remained committed to the challenge, demonstrating remarkable perseverance and resilience at every stage.

His progress is carefully monitored by the leisure centre’s trainers, who count and record the weights and repetitions completed during each session.

Phil is accompanied by his guide dog, Humbug, who has been a constant companion throughout the challenge. Humbug is due to retire at Christmas, and Phil hopes his buddy and loyal companion will be by his side when he completes his final lift.

Phil said: “I’m really pleased to have reached four million pounds. It’s been a lot of hard work, but I’m determined to keep going and get to the six million mark.

“It’s brilliant to have people coming along to support me and celebrate these milestones. It gives me a real boost and helps keep me motivated.

“I’ve supported CHUMS for more than 20 years, and I know how important their work is. I want to raise as much money as I can to help the charity, and I’m very grateful to everyone who has encouraged me and shown their support along the way.”

Sarah Phillips, community fundraising manager, at CHUMS, said “Phil reaching four million pounds is a fantastic achievement. He has shown incredible commitment to this challenge, and his drive to keep going and raise money for CHUMS really is inspiring.

“Every milestone is a reminder of the hard work Phil is putting in, week after week.

Phil Rutter is two-thirds through his amazing weightlifting challenge

Everyone at CHUMS is also grateful to all the instructors and trainers at the leisure centres who are Phil to keep track of his progress , supporting him throughout the challenge.

“Although Phil has made amazing progress, there is still a long way to go towards his £60,000 fundraising target. We would love more people to get behind him, donate if they can, and share his story to help us reach a wider audience.

Phil’s fundraising target is directly linked to his physical achievement: 6 million pounds lifted and 6 million pence raised.

You can support Phil’s extraordinary challenge and help him raise £60,000 for CHUMS by donating through his JustGiving page.