A Bedford-based parkour group is urgently calling on members of the public to help fundraise to keep the club open, stating that they are struggling and this is their final chance to survive.
Located in the town centre’s Harper Centre, Spiral Freerun CIC has released a plea to raise £3,000, which they are just over £1,000 from reaching, to help keep the site open during a short-term financial challenge.
The owners say the biggest challenge is the cost of their premises in the Harper Centre, but they are also seeking support to fund equipment, gym maintenance, outreach, the next rent and service charge, and to create new sustainable services.
Luke, co-founder of Spiral Freerun, said: “If we weren’t to do the Crowdfunder, there’s a likelihood that we might not make it through to September and may have to shut down completely for good.”
Due to the signing of a ten-year lease in the Harper Centre, there is no option to relocate.
Community impact
Spiral Freerun is seen by many as more than a gym; it’s a lifeline for young people in Bedford and beyond.
Their programmes support:
- Children with autism, ADHD and anxiety
- Teenagers struggling with confidence or isolation
- Families looking for fun, inclusive movement activities
- Young people at risk of inactivity or exclusion from sport
- Local schools, scout groups, and holiday clubs
They also provide:
- Free spaces through funded programmes (HAF, BeActive)
- Junior coaching pathways to train future leaders
- A safe, inclusive space in the town centre that brings movement back to the heart of the community
Taking to Facebook to extend their reach, the post includes statements from attendees and parents. One said, “This is the only place my autistic daughter feels truly accepted,” with another adding, “Spiral gave me the courage to get out of bed again.”
Luke also said he has received an overwhelming amount of support from those who visit, with many donating and not wishing to see them leave.
The Spiral team have supported thousands of kids and young people through bereavement, anxiety, ADHD, bullying, low confidence, and more. All through movement, community, and connection.
But right now, they might not make it to the end of the summer without support.
Speaking of the impact of Spiral Freerun and parkour on his own life, Luke said: “I’ve now spent more of my life doing parkour than I haven’t, and to think that I’ve invested 14 years worth of my time, passion, energy, blood, sweat, tears, broken bones and so much more into it, for it to close potentially.
“I don’t know what I’d do with myself (if it closes), I’ve invested so much of my time into this, it keeps me on the right path, and to think that if I hadn’t found parkour when I had, I could have ended on a much worse path.
“It’s almost like experiencing a death, it’s my baby.”
You can support their crowdfund here, or find out more information about Spiral Freerun here.
