Since starting in 2017, unique exercise sessions which go by the name of “bootcamp training” have become one of the more popular ways for people in Colchester to stay fit.

Bootcamp is a term which is normally refers to a gruelling, no-frills training camp designed to break in new army recruits.

Gazette: Hand-in-hand – two teammates carry a heavy jerry can (Credit: Liam Winters)Hand-in-hand – two teammates carry a heavy jerry can (Credit: Liam Winters) (Image: Liam Winters)

Rigorous training coupled with high levels of discipline does not sound particularly alluring at first – but the bootcamp training sessions laid on by ex-army man, Gabriel Beckett, strike a balance between exercising for fitness and exercising for enjoyment.

Gazette: Heave – two participants fling a rope over their shoulder (Credit: Liam Winters)Heave – two participants fling a rope over their shoulder (Credit: Liam Winters) (Image: Liam Winters)

Equally important is the work Mr Beckett puts in for charity.

About three times each year, Mr Beckett runs bootcamp fundraisers for Colchester Samaritans, a charity who helped him when he was at a particularly low ebb.

Gazette: Leaders – Instructors Chris Quinney, Zbyszek Prazmoo, Gabriel Beckett, Andrea Evans, and Craig Mitchell (Credit: Liam Winters)Leaders – Instructors Chris Quinney, Zbyszek Prazmoo, Gabriel Beckett, Andrea Evans, and Craig Mitchell (Credit: Liam Winters) (Image: Liam Winters)

Earlier this month, 55 people showed up in the glorious early autumn weather at Abbey Field to partake in Colchester Bootcamp’s final fundraiser of the year.

Mr Beckett said: “We had someone from the Colchester branch of Samaritans come down with a collection bucket; people put in money on the day to attend the session.

Gazette: Leading the way – a coach shows participants how it's done (Credit: Liam Winters)Leading the way – a coach shows participants how it's done (Credit: Liam Winters) (Image: Liam Winters)

“About 80 per cent of participants are members and the others are friends and family, and then we had a few guest instructors.

“I know it can be quite daunting coming to a bootcamp session, but we are raising awareness for mental health because it’s a charity very close to my heart.”

Gazette: Roped in – the battling ropes are a much feared exercise for bootcampers (Credit: Liam Winters)Roped in – the battling ropes are a much feared exercise for bootcampers (Credit: Liam Winters) (Image: Liam Winters)

Mr Beckett moved to Colchester from Chelmsford in 2017, and when he suffered from depression, it was Colchester Samaritans who helped him recover.

“They helped me through a really tough time to rebuild my life – now I’m in a really good place, and I can give back to them by promoting mental health in the community.

Gazette: Watchful eye – instructors observe bootcampers battle it out (Credit: Liam Winters)Watchful eye – instructors observe bootcampers battle it out (Credit: Liam Winters) (Image: Liam Winters)

“Exercise is not just about getting fit – it really helps your mental health as well.”

The fundraiser made a total of £500 for Colchester Samaritans.

Anybody who is struggling with their mental health can get in touch with the charity on www.samaritans.org/colchester/.