A BOXING gym that has become a popular community hub will run its tenth annual Christmas charity workout next weekend.

Opened by husband and wife Gary and Lisa Crickson in 2015, Forge Fitness has become well-known for its focused boxing and fitness sessions in Rainhill as well as its numerous workout tournaments, fundraisers, appeals and charity workouts.

With a real desire to help others and those that are in tough times, the boxing club has organised many fitness fundraisers to support local hospices and charities.

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St Helens Star: The gym's Easter Egg collection for the Hope Centre this yearThe gym's Easter Egg collection for the Hope Centre this year (Image: Gary Crickson)
One of the most popular fundraisers that the boxing club organises is its Christmas workout, used to purchase gifts and toys for those spending the festive weeks at Whiston Hospital’s Children’s ward.

With the event taking place for the tenth time this year, the gym will host two fitness classes followed by a raffle draw and refreshments.

Taking place on Saturday, December 9, the first class will be at 8am and involve a circuit HIIT with Emma Dyce of E.D.Fitness.

This will be followed by a second class will be at 9AM, with a circuit led by Gary, with the raffle draw beginning from 10am.

St Helens Star: A handful of Forge users at the Easter Egg appealA handful of Forge users at the Easter Egg appeal (Image: Gary Crickson)
Owner Gary said: “This is special because it’s our tenth year of running our Christmas Charity workout to support our local hospitals Children’s Ward.

"We thought we’d run a raffle alongside our charity workout and would like to thank all the local businesses who have donated prizes this year!”

With the charity workout supported by local businesses, raffle prizes include gifts from Louis William Jewellers, Imperial Quarter St Helens, Vigour Restaurant, Jasmyn Fawn Hair & Beauty, The Brown Edge, and even Liverpool F.C.

St Helens Star: Gary is well known in the community for his gym and charitable effortsGary is well known in the community for his gym and charitable efforts (Image: St Helens Star)
Gary continued: “It’s hard being in hospital at all, but at Christmas for a child, it is especially hard, so to give those children lots of nice presents is just wonderful and it might help bring a smile to their faces on Christmas Day.

"The children's Ward has a special place in our hearts as I was looked after there when I was poorly as a child, and one of my own children has spent a Christmas day there, and the staff are all amazing to help bring some festive cheer when it's most needed!”

Anyone wishing to participate in the workout or buy a raffle ticket can get in touch via the gym's social media which can be found here.