A WORKINGTON gym owner and a gym member are donating thousands of pounds of free meals to NHS staff and emergency services staff.

Lee Butterworth, from Xtreme Fitness at Dobies Business Park, Lillyhall, and gym member Steve Palmer both felt that the efforts of NHS staff and emergency workers should be rewarded.

Lee gave the contents of his three freezers to workers that came to collect the food from his car park at the gym on Thursday.

He was intending to buy a further £2,500 worth of food, £1,250 from Steve Palmer’s Palmer Sustainable fund that helps community causes and £1,250 from money that the gym raised during a walk just before it was closed under coronavirus government advice.

As Thursday was so well received by NHS staff and emergency workers, both Lee and Steve have decided to give a further £3,500 each, to buy food with.

They are hoping to spend £500 on pizzas for the nightshift workers too.

Alli Henry and Daniel Hilferty also bought some meals for the gym to give away.

There will be bags of 10 balanced meals, such as rice and chicken made up and left for NHS staff and emergency services workers to collect from the gym’s car park at Lillyhall.

Meals will be left for staff again next Thursday, from 12pm to 2pm. Lee said: “We will continue until the money runs out.”

NHS staff showed their appreciation with comments left on the Xtreme Fitness Facebook page.

Arndala Wynd said: “Massive thank you for the meals, I can honestly say it was absolutely delicious.

“All who had a meal have said the same.”

Sophie Dowber: “Thank you so much for your donation!

“My crew mate and I will be fuelled up ready for what the night may bring.”

Sarah Graham said: “Thank you so much for these. That’s my baits sorted out for a few days. They are delicious, I’ve just tried one. Much appreciated.”

To keep people active Lee has been running virtual classes via his gym’s Xtreme Fitness Facebook page and also free ‘PE with Lee’ live streaming for the kids, during the restrictions.

These sessions are from Monday to Friday at 11am and includes exercise, such as kick boxing.

Lee wanted to thank his customers for their continued support.

He said: “I just want to say a massive thanks for standing by us. 670 members have continued their subscriptions, which is quite phenomenal.”

For gym members he is keeping them entertained with a regular Friday night quiz night too, with £50 of gym credit to be won every week.