FITNESS fanatics are making a marathon effort to help rebuild the lives of victims of the December 2004 Asian Tsunami.

Staff and members at Hermes Health and Fitness Studio, in Bridge Street, are rowing, swimming, biking and running the equivalent of the distance from Taunton to Sri Lanka.

The 48-hour, 9,284km sponsored event will support various projects, including building, counselling, teaching, books, desks and chairs, sanitation, music, sports and other activities.

Personal trainer Suresh Ebert, who was holidaying with his family in Sri Lanka when the tragedy struck, is returning with a team of volunteers to carry out the work.

He said: "We want to raise awareness of the children in Sri Lanka orphaned by the Tsunami - the Colombo street children' who have no families.

"In particular, their education is suffering due to lack or resources and the fragile emotional state of many of them.

"Thousands were orphaned or separated from their families and without access to schooling, increasing their vulnerability to trafficking and other abuse.

"Only a handful attend school and most are in need or permanent shelter and a stable income to continue their education."

He said hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankan children are at risk', with around 4,500 street children in and around Colombo.

As well as the sponsored gym activities and swim by members of Taunton Deane Swimming Club between September 17-22, people can have free' treatments such as sports massages, aromatherapy, Indian head massage, nail treatment and hair styling for a donation to the Children of Sri Lanka Appeal.

Mr Ebert has already raised over £4,000 for Sri Lanka through several events, including a 10k run with colleague Malcolm McDonald - the cash went on fishing nets, sewing machines, boats, bikes and ovens.

Anyone wishing to support the fundraising should call 01823-322200 or e-mail childrenofsrilanka@yahoo.com