A Bishop’s Stortford gym owner has been blown away by the response to his fundraising appeal to build a garden in memory of a much-loved colleague.
Koru Gym boss Keith Mullings set up a GoFundMe page after he decided to pay lasting tribute to instructor Rich Hutson, who died last November.
The aim is to build a memorial garden on land beside the gym at the Woodside industrial estate off Dunmow Road, for people to take time out and get away from the hurly burly of everyday life.
Rich Hutson
Initially, Keith aimed to raise around £5,000, but to date the appeal is at £9,248, which he said reflected the type of gym he runs.
“It’s amazing – I had no idea at all how much we would raise,” said Keith. “I was really blown away by how much.”
Keith set up the gym 11 years ago and, with Danny Livings, Rich was one of its first instructors.
An image of how the garden will look like
“He was a very quiet person, but he had a real presence about him,” said Keith. “He was very much a part of our gym and he touched so many people.”
On the GoFundMe page, Keith said he had spent a lot of time thinking of a “meaningful way” to remember Rich, who was married to Sophie and was devoted to his dog Ralph.
“As you can imagine, it’s impossible to find something that truly reflects what an incredible man he was, but I believe creating a garden at the gym would be a fitting tribute,” said Keith.
“It would be a calm, welcoming space where people can sit, talk, reflect or simply take a moment for themselves.”
Keith Mullings. Picture: Emma Cox
The gym has a focus on men’s mental health, and Keith revealed he has had depression for the past 20 years.
“When I opened the gym I found out how many come for their mental health,” he said. Initially he was initially reluctant to talk about his issues but realised the importance of opening up.
Money donated at Rich’s funeral went to Men’s Minds Matter, and Keith says money left over from the appeal for the garden will also go to that charity.
Work on the garden has begun, led by a gym member who is a landscape gardener with Country Gardens and Landscapes. Local businesses have donated materials for the garden, which will hopefully be opened in a couple of weeks.
Keith added: “It’s not just for the gym – it will be open to anybody who wants to come.”
To donate to the appeal, see here.
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