Fundraiser of the month

This summer, the team at Healthworkz Neuro Fitness and Movement Therapy Studio took on MS-UK’s virtual event My MS Marathon. HealthWorkz is a privately run exercise studio, specially equipped to support people living with long-term neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, and brain and spinal injuries.

Alan Pearson, the owner of HealthWorkz, says,

‘We have a strong relationship and connection to MS-UK, so when I heard about their virtual marathon and how absolutely anyone can take part, I wanted to get involved. I asked our gym members what their thoughts were and I had an overwhelming response!’

Soon Alan and the team at Healthworkz got all the clients behind a collective studio challenge to cover 260 miles a week on the static cycles, using either their upper body or lower body cycling on the static cycles. They aimed to raise a total amount of £2,000 for MS-UK.

Not only were Alan’s clients covering an incredible distance together by cycling, but individuals from the gym also then took on all sorts of personal challenges to help raise more money for MS-UK. Challenges ranged from 26 miles cycled in July, to 26 miles walked per week on the parallel bars.

‘Everyone got behind the challenge, we had clients doing all sorts of things to raise money like selling honey, taking on 26 holes of golf, and asking for support at their local bowls club. Not only was the fundraising going well, I saw a huge improvement in what different clients were achieving during their sessions. My MS Marathon created a real buzz in the gym, and everyone was motivated to push themselves that little bit more.’

The team at HealthWorkz eventually raised over £6,500 for MS-UK, which is more than three times what they originally set out to achieve. This money will go towards MS-UK’s Counselling Service, which is currently the only service of its kind available for people affected by MS in the UK.

Alan adds, ‘I’m so proud of what we have achieved as a gym and so pleased we have helped to raise money for MS-UK. We are already looking ahead to next year and how we can empower more people to raise even more money by taking part in My MS Marathon!’

If you would like to take on your own challenge to raise money for MS-UK, contact the fundraising team at Fundraising@ms-uk.org or call on 01206 226500.