Rage a real success story for Blacon

29 December 2020

A community gym in Blacon is proving to be a runaway success story.

In less than two years, Rage Fitness Company has gone from supporting a handful of residents to working with more than 20,000 people across Chester and beyond.

The Rage story began in 2018 when its founder, ex-Marine Craig Brown, approached Avenue Services to ask if it could help him deliver fitness classes for residents in Blacon.

Avenue Services offered the use of its activity centre at Blacon Adventure Playground and Craig started to deliver classes with only a few pieces of basic equipment and a determination to support residents with their physical and mental wellbeing.

Craig worked with Avenue Services to develop a business plan, and in 2019 converted part of the activity centre into a fully featured community gym.

The gym has been a huge hit with Blacon residents and as word has spread, Rage has continued to expand its services across the north-west of England.

It now works with over 60 schools and 25 GP surgeries, as well as with partners including the NHS, Public Health England and Cheshire and Merseyside police.

Chris Leicester, Neighbourhood Partnerships Manager at Avenue Services, said: “Rage has been a real success story, going from supporting two people with their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing to over 20,000 in the space of just 17 months.

“The health and wellbeing of our residents is a key priority for Avenue Services. We’re very proud to have been part of Craig’s journey and we continue to support him as he helps residents through the pandemic with free online sessions.”

Craig Brown commented: “We’re passionate about supporting our local communities with their fitness and wellbeing and making a difference to people’s lives.

“It’s been an incredible journey for Rage Fitness Company so far and I’m very grateful to Avenue Services for believing in the project and the support it has provided.”