A Sunderland Street business is to do their second fundraiser for Park Lane School, one year on from their last.

Vikki Thomas Personal Training will host another female powerlifting competition, to raise money for the school for pupils with SEND needs and disabilities.

This time last year, the event generated £2,230 in cash for the Park Lane place of education, via the school's charity Friends of Park Lane Special School.

Business owner Vikki Thomas has a son who attends Park Lane School, and told more about the upcoming event.

Gym owner and personal trainer Vikki Thomas is hosting a powerlifting competition for Park Lane School. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"Our upcoming fundraiser will take place on October", said Vikki.

"It is a female powerlifting competition where each person takes in the challenge to lift as much weight as possible doing squat, bench press and a deadlift 

"There will be just over 20 women taking part. Unfortunately I won't be taking part, as I've just undergone surgery on my hip.

"Thank you to all who donated last year. We raised £2230 we had many local businesses in Macclesfield who donated prizes for our raffle which also helped raise money.

Friends of Park Lane School is a charity made up of parents, teachers and members of the local community, with the sole aim of raising money for Park Lane School. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"This time around, we have set the target at £1000, and have raised £130 so far."

11 people have donated, as of publication, and you can do so too on this link.

And the money will go far, as 129 pupils aged 2-19 attend Park Lane School, according to GOV.UK. 

"We have chosen to fundraise for the school as it is close to my heart because my son, Stanley attends the school," explained Vikki.

Macclesfield resident Vikki Thomas runs a weight-heavy gym for women in Macclesfield town centre, championing both women's fitness and business. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"Stanley was diagnosed with a rare chromosome disorder at 2 weeks old called 9p trisomy, and when he was five years old, he was rushed to A&E and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes resulting in him being insulin dependent for the rest of his life.

"Park Lane School has not only given Stanley access to education at his level but has gone above and beyond to help in emotionally and socially.

"Thank you so much to everyone for their support. It means a lot to staff, pupils and parents at Park Lane and money raised can go towards much needed equipment."

Friends of Park Lane School said "We are so grateful to Vikki for running her female powerlifting fundraising again this year, after raising an amazing £2,230 from this event in 2023.

Her gym is found to the left of Citizens Advice. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"The support from Vikki and her team is much appreciated by the staff and all the pupils at Park Lane School.

"All money raised will be used towards vital equipment and experiences for our very special children and young people".

Once again, you can donate to the fundraiser on this link.

And the charity crowdfunder is not the only new thing on 'Planet VT'.

Classes members can enjoy include boxercise, bootcamp and spin, and Vikki does all but three classes. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

The Sunderland House women-only gym, which has been going for two years, has just launched a new app.

"The new app has programs to follow along with helpful videos to be able to do alone in a gym," explained Vikki.

"I have also become an affiliate gym for Deadly Dozen fitness race designed by fellow local gym owner Jason Curtis [of 5S Fitness, Hurdsfield.]

"And to any new members, keep an eye out for our popular 'hell week; coming in December, where we take on 7 classes in 7 days.

Vikki has also done fundraisers for a diabetes charity. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"In my business, I run seven private groups where I train/coach females on how to lift weights correctly and safely. They train within these groups following a specific program to be able to help them build muscle and lift maximum weight safely.

"Members can also use my open gym to train alone following a plan from the new app."

Vikki can also offer private nutrition and private menopause consultations from her gym, which run as separate businesses.

Macclesfield: Find more about Vikki's services on her website and Facebook.

Friends of Park Lane Special School (FOPLSS) is the charitable organisation which supports Park Lane Special School with fundraising for essential equipment which is not funded by the local authority or central government. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)