Peterborough gym-goers told their next workout could help feed a child
Gym members in Peterborough are being reminded that their daily treadmill run could help provide a school meal for a child in need.
A local health club in the city has joined a global fitness initiative that converts exercise into food donations, turning sweat and steps into practical support for children around the world.
The Bannatyne Health Club in Peterborough is taking part in Technogym’s Let’s Move & Donate Food campaign, part of the 2026 Let’s Move for a Better World drive. This year’s campaign is aiming to donate one million school meals through a partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme.
The initiative works through “MOVEs” – digital points generated whenever members use connected Technogym equipment. For every 2,000 MOVEs recorded, one school meal is donated, meaning each workout helps push the global total closer to its target.
Melissa Nicholas, general manager at the Peterborough club, said the campaign has struck a chord with members.
“We are incredibly proud to be supporting Technogym in this year’s Let’s Move & Donate Food campaign,” she said. “As a club, we are always looking for ways to make a positive difference, not just to our members’ health and wellbeing, but to the wider community too.”
She said the link between everyday exercise and international impact is what makes the initiative special. “Every workout completed by our members will help contribute towards providing vital school meals to children who need them most. It’s inspiring to know that something as simple as a gym session can have such a meaningful global impact.”
Although many fitness challenges focus on competition, Melissa said this year’s campaign is about collective responsibility.
“This challenge is less about competition and more about impact and purpose,” she added. “Let’s all come together, get moving and make a real difference to children who are in need. Every MOVE truly counts.”
Duncan Bannatyne, chairman and chief executive of the Bannatyne Group, praised members for their support. “This is a brilliant initiative from Technogym and I know that, as always, our members will step up to the challenge,” he said.
Ben Sandham, Technogym’s country manager, said the campaign demonstrates how the fitness industry can channel physical activity into meaningful global action.
“The global Let’s Move & Donate Food initiative transforms physical activity into a powerful force for good,” he said.
“Through our partnership with the UN World Food Programme, our ambition is to donate 1,000,000 school meals to children who need them most.”
Members in Peterborough can take part by logging their workouts during the campaign period, with every MOVE helping to bring the million-meal goal within reach.