Friends of Michael Warburton to hold memorial bootcamp for the Wynnum West hit and run victim

Doing burpees, push-ups and cheating his way to a challenge victory were things Brisbane father Michael Warburton loved and now his friends will gather for a memorial bootcamp to pay tribute to the hit and run victim.

Other than his family and beloved Penrith Panthers, there was nothing hit and run victim Michael Warburton loved more than doing burpees and push-ups or even cheating his way to a victory with his favourite fitness bootcamp crew.

The 49-year-old “social butterfly” was on his way home from the gym on September 26 when he was tragically killed after being hit by a stolen car while riding his Vespa scooter at Wynnum West.

Mr Warburton, a father-of-three from Hemmant, died from his injuries that afternoon.

And while almost 1000 people paid tribute to the man known for making others laugh at his funeral last month, his fitness crew have decided to honour his memory with a memorial bootcamp tomorrow.

Brad Marshall with Michael Warburton, who he trained with for more than 17 years.

The session will be held at Wynnum Bugs Rugby at 7am and will feature some of Mr Warburton’s favourite games and drills with the event to also raise money for his family to cover lawyer costs.

Brad Marshall, from Brad Marshall Personal Training who trained Mr Warburton for more than 17 years, said it was the perfect way to remember the man they all loved.

“He’s left a massive hole in so many of our lives,” Mr Marshall said.

Brad Marshall with Michael Warburton, who he trained with for more than 17 years.

“So many of us have been really emotional since Michael died but I think this will just help everyone remember him with a laugh by sharing stories and doing something he loved as well.”

Mr Marshall said they hoped to have up to 70 people participate in the bootcamp, which he said could be an annual event to raise money for families impacted by hit and runs.

Mr Warburton’s wife of 33 years, Anita, said her husband loved his bootcamp sessions and the people he did them with.

The memorial for Michael Warburton at a bus stop on Kianawah Rd where the Brisbane man was killed in a tragic hit and run crash.

“It would help with his fitness but he was a very people-oriented person, he loved the atmosphere everyone brought to the bootcamp, whether you were super fit or it was your first bootcamp,” she said.

“He was always very enthusiastic and encouraging and just loved to flutter around and socialise with everyone.

“The team games we play were always his favourite as he tried to trying cheat and not get caught, the laughing and giggling among the teams when he did get caught are some of my favourite memories.

Jessica, Anita and Riley, Warburton pictured outside their home in Brisbane. (Image/Josh Woning)

Mrs Warburton said he always loved a social coffee or breakfast with everyone following the fitness sessions.

In the time since his death, she said she cried most days when she thought about her longtime partner.

“It’s been really hard, some days are easier than others but I guess right now I just take each day at a time,” Mrs Warburton said.

“I cry most days but I still have to function and be a role model for my kids and just keep going.”

If you are interested in attending the bootcamp, call Brad Marshall on 0400 360 477.