A GYM in Mochdre is to offer free “spinning” classes for an entire 24-hour period next month in a bid to raise money for those currently suffering in Ukraine.

Alexandra Huffen, owner of Oxygen Gym, will start spinning for 24 hours at 12am on Sunday, April 3, leading one-hour classes throughout the whole day.

Spinning is a form of exercise involving indoor cycling on a stationary bike, with particular focus on endurance, strength, intervals, high intensity and recovery.

While the classes will be free of charge, all donations made will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, via the British Red Cross.

Alexandra, owner of the gym, which is known for its “spin studio”, since it was established in 2017, said: “The spin classes will start on the hour, every hour, from midnight on the Sunday. 

"They’re about 40-minute classes, so I’ll be doing an intense class, with a 15- or 20-minute casual spin (afterwards).

“We’re grateful that we’re in a good position. After all of COVID, and with everything happening now, we just wanted to give back. I’d like to raise £1,000 to £2,000; that’s the goal.

“It’s open to absolutely everyone, and we’re going to have refreshments downstairs all through the day and evening, so even if people don’t want to spin, they can come in, have a coffee and a cake, and donate.

“We’re also launching a apparel range, from which all of the profits will go to Ukraine as well.

“If they want to spin at a specific time, then I’d advise that they give me a message to reserve a bike at that time, but otherwise, it’s a complete free-for-all: show up and show your support, hop on a bike, do as many classes as you like, or you don’t even have to spin at all.”

A post by the British Red Cross, included on Alexandra’s “Spin for Ukraine” JustGiving page, said: “Following the events in Ukraine, we have launched an emergency appeal.

“Communities are bearing the brunt of eight long years of conflict. We are very concerned about the recent intensification of fighting in eastern Ukraine over the past few days.

“Even before recent developments, this is a conflict that hits people daily on personal, psychological and emotional level, bringing death, injury, separation from loved ones as well as the huge mental toll of ongoing violence and insecurity.”

The British Red Cross is aiming to:

• Repair vital infrastructure like water stations, supplying water to more than 800,000 people.

• Support small businesses with cash grants or equipment and vocational training.

• Raise awareness of mines through training and educational sessions run with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and providing mine warning signs to mark dangerous areas.

• Help repair homes, healthcare centre, schools and more.

To donate to Alexandra’s JustGiving page, go to: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alexandra-huffen.

For more on Oxygen Gym, visit: www.facebook.com/oxygennorthwales.

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