A TOWN gym has raised a large sum of money for a charity.

Braintree’s family-run Complete Health and Fitness gym held a special quiz night to raise money for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

Gym owner Hollie Redman said: “Since events have been back on we have participated in a few fun run events with members and we always choose the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance as our chosen charity.

“It is a charity that is very close to us. We have gym members whose daughter is a doctor for the air ambulance, we have members who volunteer and members who work in the fundraising team.

“Being a self-funded charity, it's just an obvious choice for us.”

The idea of a quiz night came after lockdown, with the event a huge success.

Hollie said: “We used Zoom in lockdown to keep connected with members and offer online class options, which automatically led to holding an online quiz in the Christmas lockdown. 

“Having an in-person quiz just seemed like the natural thing to do.

“We are a very sociable gym, we're family-run and like to make everyone feel welcome so we knew that it would be a great night.

“We had 12 teams available and the tickets sold out within 48 hours.

“We wanted it to be a community event and we were overwhelmed by the support that we got from other local small businesses in terms of raffle prize donations, such as Maplestead Barn, the Natural Way, Toast, Office Loro, Fever, Menzies Pie and Mash, and Feathers, to name just a few.

“We held the quiz night at the Constitutional Club in town which is a great venue for an event like this. We've already booked our place for next year.”

Hollie added: "With tickets sales, bonus ball games, a raffle and auction, we managed to raise more than £1400.

“With times as hard as what they are for people at the moment, we couldn't be more thankful for the support not only for the quiz event, but for the gym itself.  

“Our members never fail to be the most supportive and friendly bunch of people we know.”