Hollywood star Hugh Jackman has declared his support for a worldwide ‘Workout for Water’ event planned by UNICEF and Les Mills to improve access to safe drinking water.

Speaking in a video released today (17 October), the Australian actor and X-Men hero said: “This is our chance to come together and show the world what we can do on behalf of kids.

“Join us by holding a Workout for Water class in your gym – encourage your instructors, members and their friends to participate. The world needs a workout, we all need a workout!”

Together with its 19,000 gym partners and 130,000 instructors, Les Mills will team up with UNICEF to host ‘Move the World - Workout for Water’ on World Children’s Day, 18 November.

The global fitness brand announced the new partnership last month in a bid to raise money to help children and their families access safe water and better healthcare.

Unsafe water can lead to weakness, malnourishment and a susceptibility to water-borne diseases, which are among the leading causes of death in children under five.

“We are absolutely committed to making a difference to the lives of children around the world and we’re honoured to be an official partner of UNICEF,” said Dr Jackie Mills, creative director at Les Mills International.