Fitness crew raise £1,500
FITNESS experts and staff from Stockport-based Life Leisure got their kit on to volunteer and have raised more than £1,500 - with more still coming in - for the We Love Manchester Fund for the victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack.
A team of 10 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 quicksands of Morecambe Bay, through water and up mountains, all the way to Windermere.
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.
“I feel so lucky and also happy that I’ve helped raise money that will be going to such a great cause.”
Life Leisure staff and local class instructors also spent a day leading a fitness festival at Woodbank Memorial Park.
Hundreds of local people of all ages and fitness levels turned out to take part in the activities on offer.
These included a fivekilometre run/walk, Les Mills Body Combat, KETTFusion, Zumba and various children’s sports games.
Life Leisure’s communities and group exercise manager Ruth Lynch masterminded the event.
She said: “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 and have fun.”
Malcolm McPhail, CEO of Life Leisure, added: “I am so proud of our staff.
“Both teams not only showed off the incredible benefits of community exercise, they also raised an amazing sum of money for the fund.”