Portland's 8-hour Charity Spinathon

The fitness community members at Erin EG Fitness, Southwell, Portland, decided they wanted a fitness challenge; but one with a purpose, to motivate, to inspire and most importantly, raise awareness and sponsorship for 3 charities that are close to Portland's heart!

The fundraising event is an 8-hour Spinathon. With members taking on their own personal fitness challenge and committing to 1, 2, 4 or the full 8-hours on a stationary bike in the studio.

The three charities were chosen collectively due to the impact they have had on the community of Portland, and experienced personally by the fitness members.

* The Three Ells Trust, was set up by a Portland family, to make a difference to the lives of children, and their families, who have cancer or life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses.
They work closely with Teenage Cancer Trust at Southhampton General Hospital and the Kingfisher Ward at Dorset County Hospital, providing recreational and educational equipment at these hospitals and families at home.
They also assist with the often-overlooked financial impact of travel and accommodation costs involved in the care or treatment of a loved one.
The Three Ells Trust have supported and will continue to support local families by funding a variety of programmes, one of which is Teenage Cancer Trust's Youth Empowerment; to help young people understand and cope with their diagnosis.

* Aplastic Anaemia Trust, is a rare and life-threatening blood disorder, caused by the bone marrow not functioning properly; failing to produce enough of the three types of blood cells - red, white and platelets.
Aplastic Anaemia can affect anyone of any age but is most common in the young and elderly. It is estimated that 2 people in 1,000,000 of the population are diagnosed every year in the UK.
Portland is home to 2 families living with and supporting their loved one with this rare condition. They have had to travel miles to receive medical treatment for this rare disorder.
This trust is the only charity in the UK focused on raising funds in research into Aplastic Anaemia and other rare bone marrow failures.

*Dorset Mind is a self-funded local charity that helps people in Dorset, experiencing mental health problems, to access the vital support they need. With aims to create a community where living with and talking about mental health becomes acceptable for everyone.
Offering services to both adults and young people; counselling, mentoring, supportive intervention, guided self-help, group services improving mental well-being and to reduce social isolation.

I opened Erin EG Fitness, to offer fitness services to all, at hours that suited everyone. I understand the benefit exercise has on both mental and physical well-being. Our fitness community has brought people together through the benefit of exercise; new friendships have been built, old friendships have regrown, everybody is improving their fitness at their own level, there is no competition or pressure.
We are coming together for the community and need your support in recognising and sponsoring our event to raise vital funds for these 3 charities (all sponsorship raised shall be split equally between the 3).

We would love you to pop along to our fundraising spinathon on Saturday 15th November to motivate and cheer us on, personally showing your support!