More than 940km cycled and rowed at Mountbatten Leisure Centre in support of Headway Portsmouth and South East Hampshire.

The spirit of community and determination was on full display at Mountbatten Leisure Centre, as locals recently came together to raise over £1,000 for Headway Portsmouth and South East Hampshire, a local charity supporting people living with brain injuries.

The high-energy fitness fundraiser, held on Wednesday 21 May, was organised by BH Live Active instructors in partnership with Portsmouth resident Mikey Osbourne, who has a personal connection to the cause. Mikey, who sustained a brain injury in 2013, has been a long-time beneficiary of Headway’s life-changing services and was a driving force behind the event.

Participants were invited to take part in a day-long cycling and rowing challenge, contributing to a combined distance of over 940km—the equivalent of travelling from Portsmouth to Edinburgh and back!

The event attracted Headway members, BH Live Active instructors, centre visitors, and local residents, all rallying together to raise funds and awareness for the charity’s vital work.

Matt Low, Portsmouth Cluster Manager for BH Live, praised the efforts of everyone involved:

“It was inspiring to see Mikey and the team from Headway join forces with our instructors and members. The energy, enthusiasm and community spirit on display was incredible. We’re proud to have supported such a worthwhile cause and thank everyone who cycled, rowed, or donated.”

Headway Portsmouth and South East Hampshire offers essential support, advice, and rehabilitation services to individuals and families affected by brain injuries, helping them adjust, rebuild, and regain independence.

On behalf of Headway, Jo Dallas, CEO of Headway Portsmouth & South East Hampshire, shared;

“I can’t thank everyone enough for making the event such a success. It was a great event, engaging our service users who really took it upon themselves to cycle or row as far as they could to contribute to the amazing total of over 940km, it exceeded all expectations and the vibe on the main reception where the event was being held was fantastic throughout the whole day, which attracted even more interest from the regular customers who were visiting the centre. Once again thank you to everyone who was involved in the event!”

Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Sport at Portsmouth City Council added:

“I know that the people of Portsmouth are always willing to step up to a challenge, and it is inspiring to see residents coming together with Headway members and the BH Live team to raise money for such a worthy cause. My thanks go to BH Live for supporting this fundraiser and inspiring the local community to get involved.”

Looking ahead, Mountbatten Leisure Centre is preparing to host its next community charity event— an energetic danceathon on Saturday 7 June to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

For more information about upcoming events or to get involved, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/mountbatten.