Forge Fitness celebrates 10th anniversary of children's ward workouts

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.

This year marked the tenth anniversary of their festive appeal for the children's ward at Whiston Hospital, with fitness and circuit events ran by Gary, Lisa, MMA Champion Lee ‘The Butcher’ Chadwick & Emma Dyce of ED Fitness.

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The gym's annual festive workout took place earlier this month (Image: Gary Crickson)
Following the successful events and subsequent raffle, that was supported by numerous local businesses, all the proceeds were used to purchase gifts and toys for the Children’s ward at Whiston Hospital.

For the first time in a number of years, the team could hand deliver the presents to the hospital, which is a special touch from Gary as he spent time on the ward as a child.

Gary and the team hand delivered the presents to the children's ward (Image: Gary Crickson)
Gary said: “It felt extra special this year because it’s our tenth year of donating but also the first time in several years since pre covid that we have been able to physically visit the ward on the handover day and meet all the staff in person which was fantastic as I’ve known some of the staff since I was a patient on the ward myself as a child.

"This is an annual event at Forge which we look forward to every year and will continue to do so for many more to come."

Gary and the Forge team celebrated the 10th annual festive fundraiser in early December (Image: Gary Crickson)

The raffle was supported with prize donations from many local businesses include Louis William Jewellers, Imperial Quarter St Helens, Vigour Restaurant, Jasmyn Fawn Hair & Beauty, The Brown Edge, and Liverpool Football Club.