Leeds Gymnastic Club launch survival fundraiser after heaters stop working

Leeds Gymnastic Club CIC (LGC) is a self-funding Community Interest Club (not for profit) established in 2012 in the Killingbeck and Seacroft area of Leeds.

More than 1,700 members attend classes on a weekly basis, all year round.

A performance squad which has produced Olympians and National squad members is also based at the gym.

The gym closed on March 20 following lockdown guidance - with income ceasing as a result.

Staff worked 'tirelessly' for ten days to produce a free to view Youtube channel to support members.

However, as the gym staff prepare the facility for reopening, it has been discovered that two gas fired heaters which provide heat to the gym have stopped working and are past repair.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, director of the gym Alexandra Webster said without urgent fundraising to replace the heaters, the gym would be unable to reopen in autumn.

Alexandra said: "As with so many other business the Covid crisis has put a heavy strain on our reserves and just when we didn’t need anything else to happen our two elderly gas fired heaters which provide heat to the gym stopped working and can not be repaired.

"Without the heaters being replaced we cannot operated in the autumn as it will be too cold and by fitting them before we re-open, we will save any disruption later in the year just at the time when we are trying to get back to normal.

"We need all our remaining reserves to ensure our survival through this crisis and so we decided to launch our appeal to our wonderful generous supporters"

To date, the gym has raised £1,690 towards a target of £12,500.

Alexandra added: "We need help from the general public, to support the work we do to promote fun and fitness to all in Leeds.

"We perform a valuable service and it essential that we remain open to help the children of Leeds remain fit and healthy and enjoy life fully."

To donate to the fundraiser on GoFundMe, click here.