Stone Tyres lends support to Forge Fitness' Phoenix boxing project

Well known for his countless charitable efforts at Forge Fitness, Gary Crickson launched the 'Phoenix' project back in May to offer free adaptive boxing sessions to children and adults.

Open to people of all ages, the boxing and fitness sessions focus on children and adults with neurodiversity, special needs, or disabilities, or those experiencing hard times.

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Some of the children involved in the 'Little Champs' Phoenix sessions (Image: Gary Crickson) With many contacts in and around the borough, Gary's 'Phoenix' project attracted applause from many in the community, as well as financial support from local businesses to help fund the sessions.

Now, John Stone of Stone Tyres Ltd, has added his name to the growing list of businesses which support the vital project.

Stone Tyres, which recently announced plans to expand the business into the former Slinn's unit off College Street, has also donated £1,000 to Violet-Grace's Gift last week, a charity set up in honour of Violet-Grace Youens who was tragically killed by a speeding car in 2017.

Gary said it was to have John's support for the Phoenix project (Image: Gary Crickson) Director of Forge Fitness NW CIC, Gary Crickson said: “I have known John for many years, going back to the old Wesley’s Gym in Prescot, and John is not only a successful businessman but has a heart of gold and is well known for giving back to his community.

"When you hear the words "'give back', John gives back. He gives back to his local area and I was delighted when John got in touch asking if he could help with our Phoenix Programme.

"John’s sponsorship in addition to our current sponsors has allowed us to further expand the programme and increase the number of sessions we can deliver week on week which is fantastic."

The free sessions are open to people of all ages (Image: Gary Crickson) With the Phoenix programme offering 'Little Champs' sessions for children and adaptive adults sessions, the idea is to give people with additional needs a safe space to train, exercise, and socialise.

With three time MMA champion Lee Chadwick and England boxing coach Sean Green helping to deliver the sessions, Gary said that the project is continuing to grow in popularity.

Gary added: “Through Phoenix we deliver a growing number of free inclusive Little Champs and Adaptive Adults Fitness Sessions weekly, which have been a great success and have had positive benefits to all our disabled adult service users.

“Cohesion between children with extra needs and those without is what I'm looking for. [We aim to] form friendships between them which hopefully transfer into the school life of the kids and make school life better for them all."

Forge Fitness is based on Warrington Road, Rainhill. For more information on the program and sponsorship scheme you can contact on train@forge-fitness.co.uk or on Facebook here.