Local gym to host six-and-a-half hour group cycle to support those affected by baby loss

Physique Gym in Walsden will host the charity spinathon event on September 5, raising money for Friends of Serenity and Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust Charity (CHFT).

A group of around 20 of the gym’s members will take on the six-and-a-half hour endurance challenge in memory of baby Violet.

The charities were chosen after two of the gym’s members, Sammy and Jack, sadly suffered the loss of their daughter Violet, who was born sleeping on May 16.

Following Violet’s death, the family received support from the Friends of Serenity charity, which provides practical and emotional assistance to bereaved families.

The charity provides memory boxes, bereavement support, assistance with funeral and registration costs, and other services that help families create precious memories with their babies during the most difficult circumstances.

Sammy, describing the loss of Violet, said: “On 15 May, I heard the words: I’m so sorry, there’s no heartbeat.

“My world stopped.

“We had spent months dreaming about meeting our baby, only to be told we’d never hear her cry.

“The love you have for your child doesn’t disappear when they’re gone, it has nowhere to go.”

Speaking about the Friends of Serenity charity, Sammy said: “Friends of Serenity were there for us when we needed them most.

“They gave us a beautiful memory box filled with precious keepsakes we will treasure forever, including Violet’s tiny hand and footprints.

“They covered the cost of registering Violet’s stillbirth so her funeral could take place, and provided her beautiful blue wicker basket.

“No family should have to worry about finances while navigating unimaginable grief, and thanks to Friends of Serenity, we didn’t have to.”

“Nothing will ever bring our beautiful Violet back. But knowing that the money we raise could help another family receive the same kindness, support and precious memories that we did means everything to us,” Sammy added.

In addition to raising money for the Friends of Serenity charity, the spinathon will also raise money to the CHFT charity, which is currently fundraising for new facilities for families experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal loss.

Now in its fourth year, the spinathon event has become a much-loved fixture in the local community, bringing people together to raise funds for causes close to their hearts.

The event was originally established in memory of popular gym member Matt Cooke, who sadly died by suicide.

Since then, participants have raised thousands of pounds for charities including Andy’s Man Club, mental health organisations and other important causes chosen by the gym community.

Gym owner Emma Louie said: “What started as a tribute to our friend Matt Cooke has grown into something incredibly special.

“Each year our members come together to support causes that have touched our community, and this year we’re rallying around Sammy, Jack and the memory of baby Violet.

“The courage they have shown throughout this unimaginable loss has inspired us all.

“We hope the funds raised will help Friends of Serenity continue supporting families when they need it most and help the CHFT build a dedicated private space within the hospital for families who experience the same type of loss.”

For more information or to make a donation, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4vzb2ycm