I am taking part in a 3 hour fitness fundraiser to support Live Well North East.

There’s a moment at FitMams that says everything.

Upstairs, music is playing. Women are lifting, laughing, pushing themselves — some for the first time in years. Confidence rebuilding. Strength returning. Energy coming back.

Downstairs, little ones are playing safely.

Colouring. Building. Making friends.

Looked after by warm, qualified staff who know their names.

For many parents, childcare is the biggest barrier to moving their body.

FitMams removes that barrier.

It isn’t just a fitness class — it’s a lifeline.

After the workout, everyone comes together for a cuppa and a chat. Conversations that start with “I nearly didn’t come today…” turn into friendships. Support networks grow. Isolation shrinks. Mental wellbeing improves.

And that safe, supervised play downstairs?

It costs us over £50 per session to provide three high-quality staff so parents can exercise knowing their children are safe and ha