The team at a Hitchin Pilates studio turned their passion into cash with a fundraiser to give something back to a hospital.
Ellen Tipping, studio co-ordinator at The Pilates Pod in Bancroft, approached her bosses Michelle and Ed Smith about running the personal project in support of London’s Royal Free Hospital, where members of her family had been cared for in their last days.
Michelle and Ed were delighted to get involved, and the team hosted a book sale and donation-based day of Pilates classes –with every penny going straight to the charity.
Ellen said: “We broke my target and expectations and raised £500 on the day, I’m over the moon – thank you.”
Michelle said: “We jumped at the chance to help this great charity and hospital that helps so many of our clients and friends.
“It means a great deal to support our team members in their personal projects and it further adds to our year of charitable events that we are proud to have been part of.”
The Pilates Pod, now in its seventh year of business, is billed as the only studio outside north London that follows the authentic techniques created by Joe Pilates – the German trainer who invented the exercise system.
This year the team are launching their full classical studio in Bancroft, as well as their teaching training programme for Pilates teachers.
But though The Pilates Pod is growing quickly, Michelle says it is still firmly dedicated to the community and good causes.
The team help raise funds for the Hitchin Initiative each year with the town fitness festival, this year set for July 28, and they also support events like the Hitchin Hard Half Marathon with their warm-up Pilates.
Other causes the pod has backed include the Open Gardens held in Pirton in support of the Norman church, the Walsworth Festival, and NCT North Herts bump and baby sessions.
During 2017, it gave away more than £600 in donations for small fundraisers in schools, churches and mother-and-baby events.
Michelle said: “We are now turning our attention to a huge charity event we hope to pull off this year with Humanitas.
“It may be a record-breaker, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for more info.”
To find out more, call Michelle on 01462 338002 or email her at info@thepilatespod.co.uk.
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