Life Leisure, based in Stockport, have been busy raising money last weekend for the We Love Manchester Fund.
The brilliant team worked hard last weekend with several fundraising events in order to raise money for the terror attack victims in Manchester. One group of the social enterprise’s fitness experts took part in a gruelling Man Vs Lakes challenge on Saturday last week. A special charity fitness festival was held on the Sunday, further adding to the donations.
Fitness experts raise thousands for terror victims
Fitness experts and staff from Stockport-based Life Leisure got their kit on to volunteer last weekend and have raised over £1,500 – with more still coming in – for the We Love Manchester Fund for victims of the arena terror attack.
Last Saturday, a team of ten from the not-for-profit social enterprise travelled to Cumbria to tackle Man vs Lakes, a 26.2 mile marathon that includes a run across the quick sands of Morecambe Bay, through water and up mountains all the way to Windermere. Despite driving rain and muddy conditions, they raised their game to make an ascent of over 3000ft to complete the course.
Danny Drayson, senior fitness instructor at Life Leisure’s Grand Central said:
“This was the toughest, most physically and mentally challenging thing I have ever done. But it has also been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Some amazing people have helped me get to a point where I could take part in something like this, and then helped me round! I feel so lucky and also happy that I’ve helped raise money that will be going to such a great cause.”
Meanwhile back in Stockport, Life Leisure staff and local class instructors spent Sunday leading a fitness festival at Woodbank Memorial Park. Hundreds of local people of all ages and fitness levels turned out to take part in activities including a 5km run/walk, Les Mills Body Combat, KETTFusion, Zumba, and various kids’ sports games.
Life Leisure’s communities and group exercise manager Ruth Lynch masterminded the event. She said:
“I was determined to put on something for everyone. The day was about bringing the local community together and showing that exercise – especially group exercise – is fun. The day had a special feel to it. We were there for a worthy cause, and there was no pressure to take part in the sessions. We just wanted people to have a go. As it turned out, we had quite a few older ladies attempting a 5K for the first time. They walked it, but next time they might run it!”
The event pulled the community together, with CEO of Life Leisure, Malcolm McPhail commenting how proud he is of the staff members who took the time to get involved and raise money for a cause which is close to the hearts of us here in the North West.
“Both teams not only showed off the incredible benefits of community exercise, they also raised an amazing sum of money for the Fund.”