PLEASE HELP US TO GET THE ROOF AND GUTTER REPAIRED

Hi Everyone

After careful consideration, and a lot back and forth with my thoughts. I have decided to personally ask for help to assist with getting the roof and gutter repaired. To be honest I was a little embarrassed to ask again, but after speaking to our gym members, visitors, family, and friends. I realise there is nothing wrong with asking for help.

Myself, Taijon, and the rest of The Yorkys Team would like to say a huge thankyou to our members who helped us with the ‘Members Only Go Fund Me’ we did back at the end of last year. Our Utilities/energy bills had skyrocketed through the roof. We went from paying just over £600 per month to over £4000 per month. This ended us been in arrears, but with the financial support we received, it helped us to clear those dreadful energy arrears. We cannot thank you enough. Your help gave us HOPE.

Over the years we’ve had so many issues with the roof, condensation, and damp. And yes, we’ve had the roof repaired, but it looks like those repairs has worn out. Last month’s weather was so bad we had old leaks re-appearing and new ones. We witness even leaks in reception, straight over the counter and the Treadmills and Stairmasters.

Ideally, we need a brand-new roof. We would need to win the lottery for that. We’ve been asked before; Is the problem with roof not down to the Landlord to fix, after-all its his building. Unfortunately, we have a lease that we have full responsibility of the building, all maintenance and repairs are down to us. You should have seen this building when we first took it over, it was derelict warehouse, no heating, holes in the walls, flooring, leaks all over, water on the floors. I remember been asked ‘Trace are you sure, you want this building?’ It was a thousand yes for me, you see I had a vision of how I wanted things to be and look LOL. And by the Grace of God and with amazing support of many over the years. That derelict warehouse has been transformed into what many call their second home – YORKYS GYM.

But I will admit we’ve been through so much, nearly lost it a couple times. And with the issues we’ve encountered over the years, including Covid, Crazy High energy bills, high cost of living etc etc. Then came the crazy rain last month which left us with leak everywhere. I started to think could these be signs to show me to finally give up and let Yorkys Gym go. Things have not been easy, and I’ve had moments where I felt just handing the keys back over to the landlord. Then the Good Lord has a way of reminding me why we started Yorkys Gym and open our doors In Tooting. The last couple of weeks, I’ve had members, visitors coming up to me, saying thank you for the community we’ve created. And how much YG has impacted their lives in such a good and positive way. I have seen posts and stories on social pages, giving us shout-outs, and some amazing reviews on google.

Yes, there are many other gyms around, but there is only one Yorkys Gym and we are asking for some help to ensure we keep going. I know some might say and/or ask; 'why do I continue to fight so hard to keep Yorkys Gym going?' Well you just do not give up on family. At Yorkys Gym one of our motto is, One Club.....One Family and this because under our roof no matter where you come from; here WE ARE ONE.

And yes it would be so much easier for me to hand the keys back, but the good lord always has a way of reminding me of the amazing impact Yorkys Gym has on people's life. So, you see it's not the building that I keep fight for; it's the people, it's our home, it's our sanctuary. It's for us.

We’re looking to rise £5000 to get the gutter and roof repaired. We know times are extremely hard for everyone, so please give what you can and if can’t offer financial support, could please then consider posting it on your social pages, and sharing it with family and friends.

I would personally like to thank you in advance for your help.

Thankyou

Tracey-ann