TWL - Derbyshire 2025

Together We Lift In Aid of Mind Derbyshire

🏋️‍♂️ Event at a Glance
Date: Sunday 12th January
Location: The Unit, Ilkeston
In Aid of: Mind Derbyshire
Athletes Lifted: 25
Total Raised: £1,974.01

💬 Why This Event Mattered

On a chilly January Sunday, 25 athletes came together not just to lift weight, but to lift each other. Hosted at The Unit in Ilkeston, this Together We Lift event was more than a fundraiser — it was a full-hearted show of strength, solidarity, and support for local mental health services. In aid of Mind Derbyshire, every rep, cheer, and raffle ticket brought us closer to our shared goal: creating gym spaces where no one trains alone in their struggles.

You can read Mind Derbyshire’s own reflections on the event here.

🔧 How the Day Was Built

Together We Lift days aren’t about smashing records or walking away with a medal. They’re about showing up, learning something new, and feeling supported by a room full of people who just get it.

Our elite-level coaches ran the show — from movement workshops to skill stations, there was something for everyone, whether you were pulling your first deadlift or fine-tuning your technique. No egos, no pressure, just a day of good vibes, shared effort, and genuine connection.

It’s you vs you… but this time, you’re not doing it alone..

👏 The Unit Ilkeston Community Came Through

This event raised an incredible £1,974.01 for Mind Derbyshire — all of which stays local.

Here’s how it came together:

  • JustGiving: £690.36
  • Gift Aid: £279.01
  • Event sponsors: £200
  • Raffle: £250
  • Cake sales: £41.50
  • Event profits: £513.14

Whether you donated, shared the link, bought a raffle ticket, or baked a cake — thank you. You helped us show that strength isn’t just physical.

🧠 Why Local Mental Health Support Matters

We believe mental health advocacy needs to be as local and as personal as our gym communities. By connecting independent gyms to nearby charities like Mind Derbyshire, we’re building real relationships — ones that last beyond event day.

The funds raised will go directly toward supporting Mind Derbyshire’s vital work, but the awareness, connections, and conversations sparked at this event are just as valuable. These are the first reps in a much bigger movement to make gyms places of support, not places of ego & insecurity.

🙌 A Massive Thank You to Our Coaches

We were lucky to be joined by an incredible coaching crew who brought knowledge, energy, and genuine care to the day:

  • Matt Ford
  • Desi Gillespie
  • Ben Watson
  • Ashley Lapidge
  • Kelly Roberts
  • Hannah Fitzgerald
  • Keoghan & Clara from Strength Register

Thank you all for creating an environment where learning felt safe, support felt strong, and every athlete left feeling better than they arrived.

🏠 Special Thanks to The Unit & Dean Butler

A huge shout-out to Dean Butler, owner of The Unit, who not only hosted this event but led the charge locally — rallying athletes, running the raffle, and pushing fundraising through regular social media updates. Dean, your belief in what we’re building helped take this event to the next level.

🚀 What’s Next?

This is just stop one. We’ve got a whole year ahead, with events planned across the UK — each one connecting local charities with their local gyms, and showing what community strength really looks like.

Keep your eyes on our socials for the next dates. Or better yet — get involved.

Because the goal? It’s bigger than one event. We’re working toward a future where every coach and gym floor team has mental health first aid training, and gyms are recognised as safe spaces to talk, train, and heal.

If you’ve been inspired, we’d love to have you along for the ride.

🔗 Follow our journey:
👉 Instagram – @together.we.lift.events
👉 Facebook – Together We Lift

🎟️ Want to take part, donate, or host a future event?
Check out upcoming dates, get involved, or learn more over on the Together We Lift events page.

Until then — keep lifting, keep laughing, and keep looking out for your Buds.