Isle of Wight gym users rally to help save TJ's from closure

A fundraising campaign has been launched in support of the Lake gym.

In 2016, the business moved from the Spithead Business Estate to its current address on Sandown Road...at the former Lake Working Men's Club.

But TJ's owner, Steve Marsh, claims The Porter Club — which he says is the registered freeholder of the property — plans to forfeit the lease.

TJ's Gym staff, and those who run their businesses through the gym.

The club operates from the rear of the building, and it means the gym is under threat of closure, and is seeking support to help cover legal fees.

• Read more: Fundraiser for Isle of Wight gym under threat of closure

Among those desperate for the gym to survive is eight-year-old, Reid Christopher-Fendyke, who wrote to The Porter Club.

He said: "My name is Reid, and I do the Panthers kickboxing club at TJ's three times a week.

"I really don't want the gym to shut down because I have made lots of friends.

"It also makes me want to keep strong and healthy.

"Please don't close our gym."

Some of the Milford Del gym users.

Service users at Milford Del Support Agency, based in Shanklin, also rely on the gym. 

They experience a whole range of mental and physical disabilities, and are given allocated time to use the facilities. 

During this time, trained gym staff assist them in using the equipment and identifying areas which would benefit their mobility and strengths. 

A spokesperson for the service said: "For more than 30 years, TJs Gym has offered a health and fitness community to Isle of Wight residents. 

TJ's campaign banner.

"They have provided classes for all ages and abilities, and created a space that is accessible to everyone. 

"It would be a huge loss, and have an adverse impact on our service users, if they were not able to access this superb Island resource."

Damien Whitmore, former creative director of the Tate Modern and Victoria and Albert Museum, visits TJ's gym three times a week. 

He said: "Steve is a brilliant trainer and physiotherapist. 

"In March, 2020, I had a double hip replacement, and it was due to Steve's expert help and guidance that I recovered from the operation quickly and successfully. 

Reid Christopher-Fendyke's handwritten letter.

"TJ's is very important to me personally for my mental and physical health.

"It is a force for so much good on the Island. 

"The staff take great care of everybody, and it is clear they care a great deal about the health and well-being of their members.

"It would be a terrible shame and a huge loss to the local community, and to the Island itself, if TJ's was forced to close. 

"TJ's is a very important, dynamic, and much-loved gym, providing a crucial and unique service to everyone. 

"It deserves to stay open and continue to thrive."