A CHARITABLE gym has teamed up with other local businesses to sponsor a project that will provide boxing sessions to those with special needs.

Forge Fitness & Boxing, based on Warrington Road, Rainhill, was opened by husband and wife Gary and Lisa Crickson in 2015 as the first boxing and fitness gym in Rainhill.

Over the years, the boxing club has organised numerous charity fundraisers to support the community, such as Christmas workouts for local hospices, charity fitness challenges, and Easter Egg collections.

READ > All I ever wanted to do was help’ – Man steps back from volunteering after 18 years

St Helens Star: Gary has organised several fundraisers and community events at Forge FitnessGary has organised several fundraisers and community events at Forge Fitness (Image: St Helens Star)
Teaming up with several other local businesses, Gary and the team at Forge Fitness have launched a new project named PHOENIX'.

This is aimed at providing free adaptive boxing and fitness sessions for children and adults with neurodiversity, special needs, or disabilities, or even those experiencing a hard times

Rainhill based Russell Roofing and Empire Flooring Group, St Helens based Evolution Vapes, Prescot based DPS Energy, and Liverpool based LiverLaw Solicitors have helped to fund the project with weekly sessions to be delivered to service users at the gym.

St Helens Star: Phoenix has been launched to help people with special needs, disabilities, or going through a tough timePhoenix has been launched to help people with special needs, disabilities, or going through a tough time (Image: Forge Fitness)

Gary said “I had a difficult time last year so I wanted to finish the year with something positive.

"When I approached Carl from Russel Roofing and the guys from Empire flooring with my idea they were in straight away! Once the sessions started going the other businesses approached me themselves!

“Since then we have welcomed plenty of groups and individuals in for sessions and we have had a great time.

"Local groups such as 'Friends Play for Disabled Children' and 'Buzz Hub' have been in and everybody leaves happier, which is the whole idea because not only are the sessions free, but it also helps the budgets of some of these groups to go further.

"Phoenix is something that we are all very proud of, and the name itself is based upon something rising from the ashes to fly high once again. The inspiration  comes from a friend of mine, professional boxing coach Alan Levene who taught me all about positivity, gratitude, and the importance of giving something back.

"We are hoping it is something that is going to continue to grow and provide joy and fun for many more people. The project is in its infancy right now but we have had some smiles joy and laughter already.

Any groups or individuals interested in a session can contact Gary at Forge Fitness.