Cannock fitness centre to hold charity events supporting mental health and abuse survivors

A Cannock fitness centre is holding two charity events later this month to raise money for mental health causes and a charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse and sexual assault.

Elevate Hybrid Performance Centre, in Avon Road, will host the events on Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26.

Friday's event will be a Hyrox Relay Night, with teams of four taking on the course together through Race for Impact, the charity partnership between HYROX and High Impact Athletes.

Each team has donated £40 to enter, with competitors choosing mental health as their cause. The money will be split between three charities vetted by Race for Impact.

According to HYROX and High Impact Athletes, the initiative has raised more than £4.1 million for charity in less than a year, with mental health the most popular cause chosen by competitors, accounting for more than 40 per cent of funds raised.

Saturday's event will be a women-only morning of exercise and support, beginning at 9.30am with a Hyrox class.

It will be followed by mat Pilates and a self-defence workshop led by Black Country MMA coach Tim Wilde, before the morning finishes with açai bowls and coffee.

Tickets cost £10, with all proceeds going to Pathway Project, a Midlands charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse and sexual assault.

There are 120 places available and organisers say 70 had already been sold, with the event expected to sell out.

Domestic abuse remains widely under-reported. Figures from the Office for National Statistics estimate that 2.2 million women in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse in the year to March 2025.

Katie, co-founder and head coach at Elevate Studios, said the event was intended to provide both support and a way to raise money for people who need help.

“So many of the women who train with us have never told anyone what they've been through,” she said.

“We wanted Saturday to be a morning where they feel strong and supported, and where we can make sure a charity like Pathway Project can keep being there for people who need it.”

Elliot, co-owner of Elevate Hybrid Performance Centre, said supporting charitable causes was something the business wanted to make part of its community.

“Giving back is something we want to be part of how we run this gym, not a one-off,” he said.

“These two events, back to back, are about backing causes that don't always get talked about enough — mental health and domestic abuse — and getting our community to show up for each other.”

People unable to attend Saturday's event can also make a donation through the event's online donation page.