Gym friends take on ‘Battle Cancer Manchester’ for Charity

“Inspired by the cancer battles and the bravery of our loved ones and friends, we’re tackling a high-intensity fitness fundraiser – Battle Cancer Manchester – to support Cancer Research. Cancer’s evil. It has affected each one of us, and we were keen to give it a kicking.”

These are the words of gym pals at Sean Salinger Fitness who will be taking on a high-energy challenge on 11 May in honour of those close to their hearts who have won, lost, or are still fighting their personal cancer battles.

Chris Jones from Sale is part of the team facing the Battle Cancer challenge. He said: “My oldest mate, Michael Davey, had a five-month fight with tonsil cancer in 2023. It was brutal, but his determination to recover has been inspirational. He really did fight to survive as a dad of two boys in his 30s, a husband, and in his dream job as a pilot that he had worked so hard to reach. Cancer doesn’t care who or what you are. It affected every bit of his life and his family’s. He’s defied the odds and I’m in awe.”

Chris’s wife, Sarah, added: “My beloved mum found a lump in her breast during lockdown, resulting in treatment at The Christie. The pandemic meant we were unable to help and hug her, which was heart-breaking. She’s had the ‘all-clear’, and I’m so grateful she is here to see our baby boy grow up. I’m tackling this challenge not only for Mum, but for all those who are affected by this evil disease.”

Seven teams, each with four gym members, are taking part in Manchester’s Battle Cancer Challenge, which involves cycling, rowing, skiing, deadlifts, box step-ups, burpees, dumbbell snatches, kettlebell swings, and throwing sandbags over their shoulders, with some of the challenges involving synchronised movements.

Cancer Research states that in the UK someone is diagnosed with cancer every two minutes and there are almost 385,500 new cases of cancer each year.

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and Christine Sørensen, from Timperley, is taking on the Battle Cancer Challenge after her dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer at Christmas. She said: “You hear the words ‘brutal’ and ‘tough’ and ‘battle’ with cancer, but it also makes you feel totally helpless. There was nothing we could do to help Dad. He’s been married to Mum for more than 50 years and all our lives suddenly felt on hold as we waited for the latest results. The treatment at The Christie has been intense, but they are confident he won’t need any more.”

Sean Salinger from the Timperley gym added: “It’s a testament to the friendship within our fitness family that when this charity challenge was suggested, it was instantly supported by so many. The team initially wondered if they could raise £1,000 before the competition. The generosity of friends, family, work colleagues, and businesses has seen that top £4,500 so far. I know they’re determined to push themselves on the day as reps and metres made also boost charity coffers. I’m so proud of them all.”

JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/ssf-battlecancer2025?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=015