Westcliff gym owner will open doors to people alone on Christmas Day

Scott Thompson, from SPT Fitness in Prince Close, Westcliff, knows all too well the impact of being alone at Christmas.

He had split up with his ex and he was not seeing his children that year, and so for the first time he was completely alone.

The memory of how he felt has stayed with him.

For this reason he has decided to open his gym, SPT Fitness, on Christmas Day, to support people who are lonely at that time of year.

The Westcliff-based gym has been open for a decade, and it was six years ago that Scott struggledover the festiveperiod.

“Christmas is a difficult time of year for people who are lonely. Six years ago I had separated from my ex and that year I was not spending Christmas day with my kids. That Christmas was really hard, there are lots of people who dread Christmas because it makes it even clearer they are lonely,” said Scott.

While most businesses will be shut for the festive period, Scott will open his doors so that people who are by themselves have somewhere positive to go and spend their times.

“Now I get on great with my ex and see my children lots, but it was that one bad Christmas that brought it home to me, and I will never forgetit,” he said.

“Also, one of my members, and he will never know how deep the conversation struck me, said he would be alone at Christmas. I said he should come to the gym and we can go for a walk along the seafront. I want it open for all the people who want an option to go somewhere, even just as a place to come and get a coffee.”

Scott announced his decision to open the gym on Instagram.

“I am big on physical and mental health and know the importance of finding ways to stay positive. I decided to open up and post my own experience and I got lots of comments,” he said.

“Mmost people were really nice and supportive and got whatI am trying to do.”

For more information on the gym and the fitness training services they provide search SPT Fitness Gym on Facebook and on Instagram.