THERE was double delight for a health and fitness club in Hampton-In-Arden – not only did it celebrate its tenth birthday but also raised £23,000 for charity.
The Hampton Health and Fitness Club held a 24-hour sponsored bikeathon in aid of The Cameron Grant Memorial Fund, which set up in memory of a Solihull man who tragically took his own life.
The 187 riders pedalled their way through hour slots and were joined by two-time Canadian national champion bodybuilder, Brian Robitaille, who enjoyed his spin and was thrilled with the atmosphere of the event.
Among the 187 was 70-year-old gym member Martin Mitchell who cycled for ten hours and managed to secure more than £1,000 in sponsorship from his neighbours and friends.
Once the bikeathon was over members gathered for a birthday bash in Fentham Hall where a number of events including an auction was held.
The co-directors of the Hampton, Paul Ebrey and Gareth Thomas, dedicated all the profits from both events to the Cameron Grant Memorial Fund.
The charity was set up in memory of Cameron Grant, a Solihull university student, who secretly suffered from depression for over seven years and took his own life last November.
Cameron’s parents Evan and Carol Grant said they were amazed at the sustained energy and enthusiasm displayed by all on the bikes, and very grateful to everyone for their generosity in the raffle and the auction.
They added: “Together we have raised awareness of the scourge of young suicide and raised a huge amount of money to help us take the cause forward in Cameron’s memory.
“Our thanks to all who rode and their sponsors, to all who contributed prizes, bid at auction and bought tickets, and, especially, to Paul and Gareth for choosing to celebrate their tenth anniversary at The Hampton by raising money for the Cameron Grant Memorial Fund.”
