FLS flex for charity in Lift for Cancer Burnley event

Many smiles were seen at the Battle of the Pennines at Lift for Cancer event.

Anthony Tibbs, 30, and Jackjon Butcher, 27, founded their gym, FLS (Fitter, Leaner, Stronger) Fitness, last September, and capped off their anniversary with a Lift for Cancer event on October 5th, raising £500 for Pendleside Hospice in the process.

First started by Paul Williams, the initiative pits teams of three bicep-clad weightlifters against one another, with their £15 entry fees going to charity. With the Manchester and Hull iterations having had success, the Burnley version went off with a typical bang.

“He wanted to bring something closer to home,” said Anthony of Paul, whose father is in recovery after suffering from cancer. “It was called Battle of the Pennines - seven team events; we battled it out.”

Competitors and spectators alike reveled in the fun at FLS Fitness.

Speaking of the eventual winners, Anthony said: “It was a team from Scarborough called C-Dog, who brought a guy who lifted an impressive 240kg dead-lift, so that took them on the way to winning! There were pobably over 100 spectators [across the day].

Funds were also raised through other means, with Anthony explaining: “We had a raffle and a barbecue afterwards, and people donated for a burger and a beer.”

With cancer affecting many families, Anthony and Jack have a personal investment in the fundraising effort.

“Jack - his dad eventually passed away from cancer; my granddad’s passed away from cancer,” said Anthony. “It’s close to everyone’s heart; everyone knows someone who either recovered or died from cancer, so it’s good to do something for Pendleside.”