An Armagh gym has been taking on five days of fitness this week all in aid of Children’s Heartbeat Trust.
Bubba Ali and his team at Bubba’s Project Gym are trying to raise £20,000 for the charity to celebrate the gym’s fifth birthday.
Speaking to Armagh I, Bubba explained that he chose a heart disease charity after the passing of his wife’s cousin, Eddy Wareing (pictured main), earlier this year.
“Eddy was diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease at a young age,” said Bubba. “But he made it his mission to get the most out of life.
“A wonderful father to three young children, Eddy always put others first; as a theatre nurse Eddy loved to help others which led him to become very active in multiple charity events and fundraisers for young children.”
Bubba explained that Eddy suffered complications back in September from the surgery he had long awaited. After five weeks on life support, multiple surgeries and blood transfusions, Eddy sadly lost his battle at the age of 39.
“We normally do some fundraising to coincide with the birthday of the gym, so we decided that we wanted to raise money for a heart disease charity who work with children,” he said.
“There is a heart surgeon who goes to the gym and she recommended a load of charities who do great work, but when we looked into the Children’s Heartbeat Trust it sort of ticked all the boxes.”
Bubba said that upon speaking with Lynn Cowan from the charity he was “blown away” by the work they did.
“When I do this work for charity, it is easy just to think raise the money and not think anything else of it, but with Lynn being out with us in the gym we really got to know about the logistics and the tasks they carry out, which really brings it home.
“They work not just with the sick children but also the families who may be bereaved or dealing with the emotional stress of surgeries. They even buy Christmas presents for families less well off.”
Lynn, from Children’s Heartbeat Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have the support of Bubba Ali and his amazing team through their week long fundraiser. This is a wonderful opportunity for people to come together to have some fun, get fit and raise vital funds to support local children.
“As a charity we receive no Government funding so all support from local people and businesses is greatly appreciated and we would love to see the town and community come out to support this amazing event.”
Bubba’s challenge started on Monday, with guest coaches from all over UK and Ireland helping to deliver high energy in house fitness classes, boxercise, SPIN, online fitness sessions, LIVE cooking demos, fitness challenges and a five hour run consisting of 5k on the hour every hour for five hours and much more…
On Friday, Bubba will be hosting a fun day featuring Healthy Kidz, Taekwondo, bouncy castles and burgers from 3pm.
For further information and to get involved search Bubba’s Project Gym on Facebook or to make a donation visit his Just Giving Page.
