Selby Gym Raises Thousands for Leeds Children’s Charity

Local fitness club supports disadvantaged children in Leeds

A Selby-based gym, The Hutt | HYROX Training Club, has raised significant funds for Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm, a charity supporting children facing disadvantage across Leeds. The gym’s founder, Ed De Carvalho Smith, who grew up in Leeds and has personal experience of the charity, has led the efforts to engage the community in fundraising activities.

Origins of the partnership

Ed De Carvalho Smith’s connection to Leeds Children’s Charity stems from his childhood experiences at Lineham Farm. When establishing The Hutt, he chose to incorporate charitable support as a core part of the gym’s activities. The first fundraising event took place shortly after the gym opened, involving a Hyrox Physical Fitness Test (PFT), which challenged participants’ endurance and athletic ability.

Despite limited preparation time, the event raised £640, encouraging The Hutt to pursue further fundraising initiatives.

Major fundraising event: Leeds to Lapland challenge

Building on initial success, The Hutt organised a 24-hour endurance event as part of Leeds Children’s Charity’s annual Christmas fundraising campaign, Leeds to Lapland. The event involved rowing, skiing, and cycling on ergometers to collectively cover 4.4 million metres — the equivalent distance to travelling to Lapland and back.

• The fundraising target was set at £2,000.
• Participants included gym members, coaches, families, friends, and local community supporters.
• Local businesses also contributed through donations.

The event lasted a full 24 hours, with a core group maintaining continuous activity and others joining throughout the day and night. The team successfully completed the distance and exceeded their fundraising goal, raising £3,103 for Leeds Children’s Charity.

Impact and community involvement

Ed De Carvalho Smith emphasised the importance of Lineham Farm’s work, noting its role in providing children with respite from difficult circumstances and the positive effect this can have on their wellbeing and future prospects. He also highlighted how the fundraising activities have strengthened The Hutt’s community spirit.

He stated that businesses have a role to play in supporting local charities, not only through fundraising but also by raising awareness and reinvesting in their communities.

About Leeds Children’s Charity and Lineham Farm

Leeds Children’s Charity offers residential breaks and activity days for children experiencing disadvantage, poverty, or trauma in Leeds. Lineham Farm is a key facility providing these services, aiming to improve children’s lives through outdoor activities and supportive environments.

For more information, visit Leeds Children’s Charity website.