RFN Fitness and Wellbeing Centre in Whitehaven wins loud praise

RFN Fitness and Wellbeing Centre in Whitehaven has been operating for just over a year and helps to support young people interested in boxing and MMA. 

The gym is operated by Kevin O' Fee who explains that the gym has proved popular over the past few months. 

On Friday, February 16, the town crier, Marc Goodwin, paid a visit to the gym in hopes of promoting what they do there. 

Young people from the club celebrate competition success (Image: RFN Fitness)

Mr O' Fee said: "We have multiple classes for boxing, MMA, fitness, and one-to-ones but our main focus is the boxing. We have good attendance, and it seems to be what a lot of the youth are striving for at the moment. 

"I've boxed since I was six years old and I started at Whitehaven ABC when I was around nine. I was with them for about eight years then got into MMA. 

"I ended up having a family and working a lot which meant I fell out of love with it. Then I moved over to Iceland - I was over there for a couple of years - and when I came back, I started training again. 

"I've been in this building for about eight months but in total we've operated for around 15 months. 

"The past years have been brilliant; it's been a ride that I've enjoyed every moment of. We've had some success stories too which has been good."

Children and teenagers enjoy a boxing session at the club (Image: RFN Fitness)

The club operates from a space above Tony Mark's hairdressers in Whitehaven Marketplace. 

Marc Goodwin, the town crier, said: "I was put in touch with Kevin a couple of weeks ago but straight away I realised there was something special happening. 

"I think that what the club is providing is just brilliant, it's that holistic, well-being, activity-focused centre for young people from all backgrounds. 

"I just want to see it go from strength to strength. We've got a lot of activities for children and young people in the area, but we need more.

Youths training at the gym (Image: RFN Fitness)

"We need the type of activities that they want to engage with and are important to them. 

"I want to support what's going on here, but it takes a lot of hard work, support, and funding. 

"Hopefully I can use my role to shout about this as a good thing for the town."