THIS ONE’S FOR GRAHAM

This One’s for Graham

And for every person who needs reminding that community still exists.

We’re a gym. But this story isn’t about training.

This is about a man who’s been part of the BSC fabric for over seven years. A man with one of the biggest voices in the room and the sharpest wit to match. A man who could make you feel like you belonged within five minutes of walking through the door.

When Graham was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, it didn’t stop him being Graham. He couldn’t train anymore, not like he used to, but that didn’t matter. He still came to events. Still popped in to take the piss. Still made people laugh, feel welcome, feel human.

And when he told us what he was going through, we knew we had to do something.

Not for sympathy. But to stand beside him. To honour the impact he’s had on this place.

So we pulled together a 24-hour Assault Bike challenge. A full 24 hours. Through the night. No sleep. No let-up. That bike couldn’t stop moving.

Because this is what BSC does best. We show up. We rally. We come together.

We had six bikes reserved for our coaches, working in pairs across the full 24 hours. But we weren’t alone. Three of our members, Noel, Mike, and Joe joined us for the entire thing. No stopping. No shortcuts. Just pure commitment.

Every hour was booked out by someone in the BSC community. Every person paid to take part, and every penny went to The Hummingbird Centre, a local charity that’s been walking this road with Graham and his family since the start.

We also opened up slots for the wider community to get involved. People who didn’t even train here. That’s the power of fitness. It brings people together when it matters.

Of course, the bike was horrible. Legs numb. Arms fried. Zero sleep.

But it doesn’t come close to what Graham’s facing. That thought alone kept us going.

Why Hummingbird?

If you’ve never heard of The Hummingbird Centre, here’s what you need to know.

They’re not just a support centre. They’re a lifeline.

It’s a space where people can laugh, cry, rage, sit in silence, or just breathe. Where families who’ve been blindsided by cancer can find a way to keep going. Where no one says sorry. Because no one should have to apologise for being dealt the worst hand.

That’s where Graham and his wife found real support. Not the kind written on posters. The kind that sits with you, walks with you, and reminds you you’re not alone.

And if we can raise money so they can keep doing that for the the next family, then every second on that bike was worth it.

People often think gyms are just about reps, weight loss, and chasing goals.

But if you’ve been through our doors, you’ll know there’s more to it than that.

Graham helped organise events. He set up ski trips. He brought people in and made them feel like they’d always been part of the crew. He made this place louder, funnier, warmer.

We talk a lot about accountability at BSC. About people showing up for each other, and themselves.

Graham showed us that you don’t need to be lifting weights to do that. You just need to care.

He gave more than most people realise. And this challenge was just one small way for us to give something back.

Graham, this place isn’t the same without you shouting across the room or cracking one of your wildly inappropriate jokes.

But your presence is still here. In the way people look out for each other. In the way we rally. In the way we show up when it counts.

Thank you, for your unwavering loyalty, support and terrible jokes over the past 7 years. You’ve helped shape what BSC really is. The gym will forever remember the impact you have made, not just on me perosnally, but the coaches and members too. Thank you.

If you’ve ever wondered what real community looks like, watch the mini-documentary below. You’ll see the impact Graham has had on this place, and how The Hummingbird Centre continues to support families like his. Click ‘Watch The Full Documentary Here’ to see it.

If you’d like to help The Hummingbird Centre continue supporting families like Graham’s, you can make a donation by clicking here.

Every penny makes a difference.