Racing Across Europe for Joe – Our 2025 Charity Challenge

This February, the 5 Star Fitness community came together once again for our annual charity event – a 24-hour challenge to raise funds for St Gemma’s Hospice in loving memory of Joe Turner.

Joe was one of our young clients, and someone who left a lasting impact on everyone who met him. At just 19, Joe lived with a strength, humour and kindness that inspired our entire team and wider community. Even during his toughest moments, he continued to visit 5 Star Fitness, lifting the spirits of everyone around him with his determination and his ability to light up a room. His story, as shared by YorkshireLive, continues to touch hearts across the region.

In honour of Joe, our team took on a virtual race across Europe, pushing ourselves for 21 hours straight to complete the distance. It was tough, emotional and incredibly motivating – the perfect tribute to someone who never stopped giving his all.

Thanks to the generosity and support of our members, friends and local community, we raised an amazing £4,622.99 for St Gemma’s Hospice. This donation will help the hospice continue their compassionate care for individuals and families when they need it most – just as they did for Joe and his family.

St Gemma’s Hospice shared these wonderful words following the event:

“A massive well done to 5_star_fitness for smashing their virtual race across Europe challenge lasting 21 hours, in which they managed to raise an incredible £4,622.99 in loving memory of Joe Turner.
Joe… was strong, kind, funny and generous, and lit up a room with his personality, always leaving a big impact on those he met.
Thank you so much to everyone who helped raise this wonderful amount. We’re incredibly grateful for your continued support.”

We want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed, supported and cheered us on throughout the challenge. Your kindness means the world, and together we continue to honour Joe’s memory in the way he inspired us to — with positivity, determination and community spirit.

Here’s to Joe, and to another year of doing good in his name. 💜

You can read more about Joes story here.