I’m helping parents of children with heart conditions to exercise with my South Shields CIC
A South Shields gym owner is putting National Lottery funding to use through her Community Interest Company (CIC).
Earlier this year, Strong at Heart CIC received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund as it looks to deliver subsided exercise classes to parents of children who are suffering from heart conditions.
Lauren Bagley, the owner of South Shields-based Evolve Fitness, launched the CIC following her own experience of her son undergoing major surgery for a congenital heart condition at just three-months-old.
.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&crop=&width=640&quality=65)
Through the CIC, Lauren is working with the Freeman Hospital and the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) to provide free fitness sessions for parents staying at Scott House to help with their mental and physical wellbeing.
Lauren said: “It means everything to me to be able to give back, especially as I continue to see my son grow older and remain healthy.
“The sessions have been really well received and those who take part are finding it a refreshing experience for themselves.
“Their children are in regular medical appointments, they might be off school a lot and there is uncertainty about whether or when their children will be having surgery so it is hard for them to get time for themselves.
“So for them to be able to have an hour where they can exercise is a great boost for them.
“It has made me realise the impact that exercise can have on people, even in the hardest of times - having an outlet like this can really make a massive difference.”
Lauren and the members at Evolve Fitness have also recently raised £360 through the ‘Wear Red for CHUF Day’ as well as donating 60 Easter bunnies to the Calli’s Heart Campaign - which will be given out to children on Ward 23 at the Freeman Hospital’s Heart Unit.
The South Shields gym owner has also revealed that she is using some of the National Lottery funding to take part in training to offer specialised sessions for adults with heart conditions as she looks to expand Strong at Heart’s offering.
You can find out more about Evolve Fitness and Strong at Heart CIC by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/p/Evolve-Fitness-South-Shields-61555991027658/, https://www.instagram.com/evolve_fitness_south_shields and https://www.evolvefitnesssouthshields.com/.