Members of a Harrogate gym are to attempt to lift one million kilograms to raise money in memory of former client Jamie Leese.
Jamie died in May aged 30 following a long battle with a brain tumour. After his diagnosis at the age of 21, he trained regularly at Fitness Garage with personal trainer Guy Lister.
From midday on October 8, Fitness Garage personal trainers, clients, family and friends will take part in the Lift For Jamie challenge to raise money for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity.
They will work in pairs to lift their choice of weights — whether that is deadlifts, bench presses or squats.
The event is designed to be inclusive with no time limits or weight requirements for participants.
Andy Gardner, co-owner of Fitness Garage said:
“As a community, we wanted to come together to remember Jamie.
“Given his regular workouts for the nine years he was undergoing treatment, a weightlifting challenge seemed like a fitting tribute to Jamie whilst also raising funds for a charity that was close to his heart and that of his family.”
The event aims to raise £2,500 for the local charity, which supported Jamie during his treatment.
Harrogate district estate agents Verity Frearson are supported the event through their 100 Days of Giving campaign, which supports local causes as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations.
You can donate here.
Read more:
- Harrogate district runners line up for Sunday’s London Marathon
- Charity shop opens tomorrow on Harrogate’s Oxford Street
Harrogate gym in liquidation after ‘economic challenge’ of lockdown
Gambaru Fitness has gone into liquidation after the owners spoke of the “economic challenge” of remaining closed for four months.
Jonathan Walker opened the Harrogate gym on Station Parade in 2006. He appointed liquidators on Friday to sell the company’s assets.
The gym is named after the Japanese phrase “to be the best you can be” and was open 24 hours a day. Jonathan Walker and John Walker were co-directors of the business from the outset.
Gambaru Fitness had in recent years opened up an “Adversity Awards” to recognise young people who had kept going when it was easier to give up.
Read more:
- Harrogate restaurant reopens in time for Yorkshire Day
- Appleton’s Butchers comes to Knaresborough
- End of an era for Knaresborough fish and chips shop
It did not reopen on July 25 when the government gave gyms the green light. At the time, the gym owners said the announcement came with “challenging guidelines”.
The Stray Ferret attempted to contact Gambaru Fitness but received no reply by the time of publication.
In the gym’s most recent Facebook post on July 23, it said:
“Due to ongoing negotiations, and business restructuring, at this present time we do not have an official opening date. We appreciate this may be frustrating, however we are sure you will understand the economic challenge we are under after being closed for four months. We are hopeful to have positive news shortly so please watch this space.”
Despite the gym’s closure Diveshack UK, which had a shop at Gambaru, is still open for business and will continue to trade remotely while discussions with the landlords continue.