Body Tech Winsford opens doors to help community on Xmas Day

When it opened just six weeks ago, the team at Body Tech Fitness in Winsford pledged it would be 'more than just a gym'.

And that certainly proved to be the case on December 25 and December 26 when more than 300 people were welcomed at the Nat Lane gym.

Free cooked food was provided to all attendees, who were able to enjoy a warm space, Christmas music and good company.

The idea was the brainchild of personal trainer Simon Daniels and gym owner Nick Whitcombe, who spread the word on social media ahead of event.

Nick, 33, who is moving to Tarporley in the new year, said: "Simon and I decided to host the Christmas Day event as a demonstration of what the local community can expect of us in 2024.

The Body Tech Fitness team with town mayor Ernie Welch on the gym's opening day (Image: Skeggs Visuals)

"During the build up to our opening, we made a promise to Winsford that we’d be 'more than just a gym’ and we wanted to use our Christmas Day to show that to be true.

"For the entirety of Christmas Day and Boxing Day, our doors would be open free of charge to the public, there would be free cooked food for every attendee, our heating would be set to maximum and we’d have Christmas music and good company at the ready.

"This invite extended to all ages, genders, local, non-local. We asked our social media audience to spread the word to anyone who may have otherwise been spending Christmas Day alone, to those who may go hungry, those who may be without living accommodation and could benefit from the warmth and showering facilities.

Owner Nick with personal trainer Simon Daniels (Image: Skeggs Visuals)

"The days went better than we could ever have imagined given the lack of time we had to plan.

"We had guests of all ages - the youngest unaccompanied visitor was 14 and the eldest was 82.

"We also had a couple who had travelled all the way from Bristol."

Winsford-born Simon, alongside local lad Matt Dove, sold the idea of opening the gym in the town to Nick, who wants it to make an impact in the community.

The gym open on Christmas Day (Image: Skeggs Visuals)

Nick added: "We did not ask for any help in this event however after we made the announcement, we had various members of the community drop in additional food to provide, including a generous donation from Cllr Luke Daniels and mayor Cllr Ernie Welch.

"We’d like to thank the community to spreading the word, those who donated, and the owner of our estate Peta Williams of LW Ventures, who has gone above and beyond to support us in our vision to give back to Winsford."

Gym member Sarah Daniels was full of praise for Body Tech Fitness and its Christmas Day event.

Matt Dove (left) who, along with Simon Daniels, brought the idea of opening the gym in Winsford to Nick Whitcombe (right) (Image: Skeggs Visuals)

She said: "The staff went above and beyond ensuring that no-one felt lonely. It was a lovely thing to do and they deserve some credit. 

"It’s a fabulous gym with a great community spirit. It has done wonders for my mental health and motivation, not to mention the friends I have made while training there.

"It’s something that Winsford has needed for a long time. I have been a member at other gyms in the area and they aren’t even on par with this one."