Runner helps YMCA plan for roundhill gym

Running up a sweat pounding the streets of Bath has helped amother raise cash for others getting back into fitness.

Retired mother-of- three Sue Richardson, of Mount Road inSouthdown, raised pounds425 for the Roundhill YMCA gym when she ranthe Bath Half Marathon.

Completing the gruelling race in three hours 10 minutes was aproud day for the 63-year-old.

She chose to give the proceeds to the YMCA, which is still waitingfor approval from the council to convert an old toilet block into afitness centre.

The YMCA wants to transform the toilet block so that more peoplewill be able to take advantage of the organisation's services.

It currently owns several cardiovascular and weight machineswhich are not in use because they have to be moved in and out of thecommunity hall to make room for other activities.

"The gym will help to get people motivated and the YMCA facilityis a good way to help people who normally couldn't afford to go to agym," Mrs Richardson said.

Centre manager Julian Clark congratulated her on her efforts.

"Sue took part in our Activate course which is for people who donot normally exercise," he said.

"She was also sponsored by Slimming World and we're very gratefulto her for the money which will go towards buying new gym equipment.

"At the moment plans for the fitness centre are in the hands ofthe council but we have started a Saturday club and are looking toset up a youth beat surgery in conjunction with the police."

Mr Clark has been working hard to create a community hub at thecentre and encourage people in the area back into fitness.

The council has backed plans for the conversion in principle - onthe condition alternative public toilets are provided, with the blockcurrently being used by people using the play park and RoundhillNature Reserve.

As well as the machines at the YMCA, a personal trainer iscurrently on hand to offer dietary and fitness advice.

Anyone who lives nearby can have a free six-week taster session.After that it will be pounds2.50 a session with no membership fee.

People interested in a taster course should call Mr Clark on400010.