ATHLETIC youngsters put all their might into hauling heavy weights from the floor in a deadlift competition.

They were taking part in the first Junior Deadlift Meet at Gover Gym in Heathfield, set up to raise money for Denny Nassy, six, and his sister Marley who have both been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

The siblings suffer from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, with Denny first being diagnosed in January 2016.

After a bone marrow transplant, in which he was given a 40 per cent chance of survival, Denny recovered and was given the all clear.

But the cancer returned.

Now his family are now attempting to raise £500,000 for further treatment through a GoFundMe page, with his mother saying that if he does not receive it then the “unthinkable will soon become his reality”.

To help with the fundraising effort, Gover Gym set up East Sussex’ first junior deadlift competition.

Money collected was donated to the Tree of Hope Charity, which was set up for Denny and Marley.

Lifters competed in two age groups, ten-14 and 15-17, with 17 youngsters taking part.

Each young person attempted three lifts with the weight being increased each time.

At the end of the day each lifter was awarded with a medal and trophies were awarded to the girl and boy from each age group who had the highest total combined lifts.

Lifter Millie Price won the spirit of the meet award for her support and encouragement to other lifters.