A charity fundraiser held at Selby Gym will raise vital funds for a local mental health service, aiming to prevent men’s suicide.
The gruelling fundraiser held on Friday, November 17 will see participants complete as many weighted deadlifts, squats and bench presses as they can in aid of the charity. In 24 hours, those taking part hope to squat, bench and lift over a million kilograms per exercise in a bid to smash last year’s fundraising total.
Owner of the gym, Steve Thompson explained: “We have held a challenge similar to this one every year for the last three years for Chrysalis. “Eight of our core staff will be taking part and we welcome anyone who can give us some of their time to join us - even if it’s just for ten minutes. “Chrysalis does amazing work in the local community and it feels good to give back to them.” In 2022 Steve and his team raised over £3,200 for the charity by completing a million metres on two ski-ergs and two rowing machines, raising £700 more than the year before. Steve added: “We try and raise more for them every year. “If we don’t get the one million kilograms done in the 24 hours this time, we will continue on with the challenge until we hit three million kilograms for each lift.” Steve and his dedicated team have already raised £235 for Chrysalis on their Just Giving Page and are currently looking for sponsorship from local companies and organisations. The charity said it is grateful for every donation that comes its way. The money raised goes directly into supporting the charities weekly talking group at The Big Communi-tea Centre on Wednesday evenings, and to help mental health ambassadors in the work place identify anyone who is struggling. You can reach the group by contacting the group’s founder, Adrian Cunningham through the charity’s website at https://chrysalispreventionofmenssuicide.co.uk/?. To pledge your donation to Selby Gym, please visit www.justgiving.com/page/selbygym3millionkgcharitychallenge. You can join Steve and those taking part in the challenge by calling Selby Gym on 01757 702841.
Adrian Cunningham and Steve Thompson after another Selby Gym Challenge in 2021. (09-11-230 SU)