An estate agents and a father and son are among those turning the drinking game craze Neknominate into something more positive in Merton.

Whether it is fitness or charity work, people in the borough are putting their own spin on the game where drinkers carry out extreme challenges involving drinking a lot of alcohol and posting footage of them doing so online.

The game involves nominating two other drinkers to do the challenge as well, and has been linked to several deaths this year across the country.

Turning the idea on its head are members of the British Martial Arts and Kickboxing Academies (BMAKA) in Wimbledon Park, and Samuel Estates in Merton Abbey Mills.

Staff at Samuel Estates in Watermill Way have decided to instead raise money for charity then nominate others to do the same.

They urged employees to bring in money and old clothes for the Faith in Action Merton, a homelessness project.

Director Paul Ahearn said: "Being in property we know how hard it can be to be homeless.

"It takes the silly drinking game that people have seen and puts a twist on it.

"It is a nice thing to do.

"Hopefully it will spread like wildfire."

The company has nominated two businesses in Balham to carry on the good work - Harrison's restaurant and Chadwicks butchers in Balham High Road.

This Is Local London: Juan Kotze and son Brandon take on the HIT challenge

Brandon Kotze, 8, took on a one minute fitness challenge

BMAKA members Juan Kotze and his son eight-year-old Brandon Kotze are among those to take on a one minute fitness challenge that is filmed and posted on the club's Facebook page.

(Video: Youtube/JuanKotze)

Challengers then nominate two friends to do the same as part of the so-called HIT nomination. Mr Kotze said: "It is a massive turn around from this ridiculous Neknomination that is quite dangerous.

"It is why we were happy to take part - it is something that is good for you."

He said Wimbledon Chase Primary School pupil Brandon loved taking part, and it was the youngster who nominated his father - who is recovering after an operation to remove some thyroid glands.


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