A GYM owner, who launched his business not long before the coronavirus pandemic hit, is looking forward to reopening to clients with a membership discount.

Fitness at Summers Park, in Lawford, was officially opened by exercise specialist and personal trainer Dean Smith in January.

Gazette:

Mr Smith, 54, of Kiln Lane, Lawford, said he wanted to open the studio in a bid to give something back to the community who supported his wife, Grace, when she faced being deported to China.

In 2018, Grace, who is a Chinese national, was locked in a visa row with the Home Office when she was seven months pregnant with their daughter Amillia Faith.

After having three visa applications rejected by the Home Office, the Government department finally decided to approve Grace’s visa on compassionate grounds.

The decision came after a community campaign calling for the family to stay in Manningtree collected almost 4,000 signatures.

The Smith family launched Fitness at Summers Park at the start of this year but Mr Smith had to close the business due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gazette:

He said the Government’s scheme to help business during the outbreak was a great factor in the gym’s survival.

Mr Smith is now looking forward to reopening the business on Saturday, offering 20 per cent off memberships for the clients’ first 20 weeks as a thank you.

He said: “Our members all know the standards of hygiene and cleanliness in our facility has been implemented from the day we opened.”

He added: “We will limit the amount of members.

“A clean as you go policy has been implemented from day one.

“Although it may be slightly of an inconvenience at times these measures are for everyone’s safety.

“It’s better to have the facility open with restrictions than not being able to train at all.”

To view the gym's website click here.