Soa “The Hulk” Palelei completed a 24-hour fitness challenge on an exercise machine, helping to raise over $15,000 (AUD) for the annual Perth Telethon in Western Australia over the weekend. 

This year’s Perth Telethon (October 15-16) raised nearly $26.3 million (AUD) the most ever generated by the annual event that televises Australian celebrities who undertake challenges to help raise funds for children hospitals in Western Australia.

Soa was joined by retired Rugby League star Matt Fuller and popular Australian Chef Josh Catalano in the event. The fitness challenge required the trio to work an exercise grinder machine for 24 hours non-stop. Cheered on by visiting crowds and aided with energy drinks Soa, Matt and Josh overcame a lack of sleep to eventually complete the challenge.

Soa is a retired Mixed Martial Arts fighter who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship where he was noted for his physique and knockout prowess. Soa retired from the UFC in late 2015 at the age of 38. He released a memoir in June this year called “Face Your Fears”.