WEIGHTLIFTER Grace Batey has opened up on the important part Pride Performance Gym plays on the lives of its young members.

And the Grappenhall teenager has decided to challenge herself while raising money for the Old Liverpool Road venue that is now home to the only Great Britain Talent Academy in the north west.

Heather Flannery, who runs the coaching alongside Andy Griffiths, says it is an 'amazing selfless act' that will be of great benefit to the club in difficult times brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, with around £750 of the £1,000 target raised so far.

"I am going to be running the distance of Mount Fuji (74km) over a period of four weeks, alongside keeping up with my weightlifting training six days a week and uni work," said Grace.

"Being a weightlifter, running has never been my strong suit so this will be a challenge to say the least.

"However there is nothing I want to do more than to help Pride Performance Gym through this tough time.

"They have achieved so much so far and have helped so many people from all walks of life to enjoy a sport and thrive at Olympic Weightlifting.

"They have recently become the only Talent Academy in the north west, which already consists of national athletes with pathways into internationals as well as already having a member compete in the Youth World Championships which just shows the excellent standard of coaching that Andy and Heather offer to their athletes.

"Both Andy and Heather have worked so hard and will do anything for their athletes to achieve their goals.

"Their desire to engage under 18s into Olympic weightlifting is just inspiring, their love for the sport reflected and seen on every child's face, making Pride Performance Gym a very happy place for so many people.

"This pandemic has been a frustrating and worrying time with having to close and open and close again!

"Therefore all the money I raise will be donated to the gym to help keep Pride Performance on their feet because Warrington cannot afford to lose a gym like Pride. The Funds will not only help to keep Pride open, but will also supply equipment, coaching hours, workshops."

Heather added: "Despite Covid and all of the difficulties which it has thrown at us, we have finalised our British Weightlifting Talent Academy accreditation.

"We are also, like many small businesses, having a difficult time financially and we ask for support for Grace in this amazing selfless act that she's taken upon."

Visit Grace's fundraising page uk.gofundme.com/f/help-pride-performance-gym

Pride work closely with the sport’s governing body on youth development.

They work with people of all ages and abilities – from complete beginners to professional athletes – in weightlifting, strength training and strength and conditioning.

To find out more about the gym, call 07554 636066, email contact@pride-performance.co.uk or visit their social media pages @prideperformancegym.