BROTHERS from Newport whose clothing company has gone international have teamed up with a Hollywood star to encourage others to get fit for charity.

Gareth, 36, and Andy Shear, 28, of Rogerstone, who set up Bear Strength, a fitness clothing line in 2013, and now distribute more than 200 orders monthly to countries including Canada, USA and Australia. The brothers have now teamed up with Sam Heughan, a Scottish actor best known for his lead part in the popular Outlander series, and Fight Camp Glasgow’s John Valbonesi to create My Peak Challenge.

My Peak Challenge aims to encourage individuals from all walks of life to reach peak fitness, achieve personal goals – while raising money for the actor’s chosen charity Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. It can involve taking climbing a hill, cycling around town, a run in the park, a walk on the beach or a group workout.

The official challenge weekend will take place on March 14 and 15 which will see all participants carrying out the challenge they have been training towards since the launch. The challenge, which was officially launched on New Year’s Eve, has, in just six days, sold more than 800 official welcome packs, while the official Just Giving Page has raised almost £3,000.

Gareth Shear, co-owner of Bear Strength, said: “A friend who was working on the special effects on Outlander introduces us to Sam. We sent him clothes, which he loved, he’s a very down to earth guy and loves to climb – we really wanted to get behind this for his charity.

“We will be taking part in a challenge in March along with Sam but haven’t pinned down if that will be in Scotland or Wales. We never expected it to take off as quickly as it has.”

He added: “The last two years have been phenomenal – out of the 200 orders we get on average a month about 80 per cent is for abroad. It’s my brother’s own designs which are on the clothing – it’s a real family business as our parents help out with packaging.”

“A group of ladies from Canada sent us a package of different foods and a thank you letter for inspiring them to get back into fitness. It’s quite nice actually – we never expected it to go as good as it is at the moment.”

Mr Heughan said: “I had this idea while working in Scotland and came to John for help. I love walking, climbing and being outdoors and I wanted to share that passion.”

“There’ll be even more surprises in the future but for now I challenge you to make the first step with us and sign up today.”

The welcome pack – which is priced at £30 and will see £5 of every sale donated to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research . For more information visit bearstrength.co.uk or visit justgiving.com/mypeakchallenge