• NHS staff, public health workers and local businesses took part in Spinathon fundraiser
• Five teams battled the heat across six hours to raise more than £3,600
• Money raised will go towards general purposes fund so it can be used where it’s most needed

Thousands of pounds have been raised for Our Bolton NHS Charity as staff at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Public Health Bolton and Amazon took on a six-hour Spinathon on one of the hottest days of the year.

Battling temperatures that reached the high twenties, five teams endured the heat on Saturday 9 September and kept the pedals turning at Bolton Spin Studio for the full six hours.

More than £3,600 has already been raised, with donations continuing to be made, to support Our Bolton NHS Charity in fulfilling its mission of enhancing healthcare services and patient experience at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.

Sarah Skinner, Charity Manager at Our Bolton NHS Charity, took part in the event and captained team ‘Bolton Tour de Farce’:

There was an electric atmosphere on the day, and it was wonderful to see everyone working hard, supporting each other and having a great time, all while raising funds for Our Bolton NHS Charity.

“The money raised during this event will go towards our general purposes fund, which gives us the flexibility to direct the funds where they’re needed most to make a lasting and meaningful difference.

“A huge thank you to everyone who took part, including friends and family members, and a special thank you to Starbucks Trinity who donated bottled water and chocolate medals for team members, and also to Bolton Spin Studio for giving up their time and space to host this brilliant fundraiser.

The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Mohammed Ayub, visited the studio to cheer on the teams as they entered their final hour of the event. Councillor Ayub said:

I was very proud to go along to the spin studio to support the team, Our Bolton NHS Charity is one of my chosen charities for my year in office so it was great to see people working so hard for such a good cause.

To keep the teams motivated Bolton Spin Studio enlisted the help of Ian Harrison, a former DJ from Bolton, who filled the room with high-energy mixes to get everyone over the line.

Gareth Price, owner of Bolton Spin Studio, is a long-time supporter of Our Bolton NHS Charity. Gareth said:

When our daughter was born we experienced first-hand the amazing difference NHS staff make, and knew I wanted to do my bit to show our thanks.

“All of the teams embraced the spirit of the occasion and made it feel so very special. Every member kept the bikes spinning for the six hours and created a fantastic atmosphere.

An ⚡️electric ⚡️ atmosphere at Bolton Spin Studio as we raise money for @OurBolton_NHS.

We’re taking part in a six-hour spinathon, and yes- it’s one of the hottest days of the year ☀️

You can support the teams taking part here: https://t.co/Uq1H27ONmt pic.twitter.com/GGBigplmZF

— Bolton NHS Foundation Trust (@boltonnhsft) September 9, 2023

Gareth lead each of the thirty minute sessions and took on the full six hours on a spin bike.

Despite cycling in thirty-degree heat I loved every single second. This is the second year of a great partnership to make a difference at Royal Bolton Hospital. I said I’d try to help, and when people come together like this, help happens.

In the past twelve months, Gareth has set himself huge challenges to raise vital funds for the charity, including two 10,000 metre altitude cycling challenges in France and Italy and the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

Reflecting on what we have achieved feels incredible. I’ve felt tired for months and when I look back at my diary I have done a lot this year, so now it’s time for some restful weekends.

Donations are still be kindly welcomed by the teams who took part on the charity’s JustGiving page.

For more information about supporting Our Bolton NHS Charity, please visit the charity pages of our website.