Coventry gym vows to reopen after devastating fire caused by 'petrol bomb attack'

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Coventry gym vows to reopen after devastating fire caused by 'petrol bomb attack'

Postby dutchman » Fri Mar 31, 2023 5:22 pm

Owner Seamus almost gave up before an outpouring of support and offers of help came flooding in

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Around 30 people came together to help with a clean-up operation at a Coventry gym which was targeted by fire bombs on Monday evening. Owner Shamus Kavanagh said that on Wednesday he was close to giving up and packing in the fitness centre but the outpouring of support and help led him to want to come back 'bigger, better and stronger'.

Fire crews were called to the Earlsdon 's Kavology Fitness at 10.30pm on Monday evening and the gym's owner Seamus Kavanagh says thousands of pounds of damage has been caused. Kavology prides itself on being a well-being centre and community hub and not just a gym. One of the core mantras of Kavology is 'healthy body, healthy mind', with a focus on mental health as much as physical health.

The devastating blaze has led to almost complete destruction of all of the equipment in the gym. However, following offers of help from the community, including people he had never spoken to before, Mr Kavanagh says he now hopes to reopen by the end of April.

He said: "Wednesday was the most magical day of my life. Our phones never stopped with offers to help.

"We had to go home. It was just too much emotionally. They never stopped. Calls, messages of support.

"People are coming in saying we're gutted about what's happened. When I got those messages I thought 'no, we don't be defeated. We're coming back bigger, better and stronger."

Not limited just to help just in terms of people power, he has also received offers of equipment from other gyms across Coventry. "Coventry really is an amazing place," Mr Kavanagh added.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: "Just after 11.20pm on Monday 27 March, fire crews from Coventry responded to a fire in a commercial property in Broomfield Road, Coventry. Two fire engines attended the incident, with the first arriving within five minutes of being mobilised.

"The fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately, was extinguished with a hose reel by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus. The fire was confirmed to be out at 12.45am."

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Re: Coventry gym vows to reopen after devastating fire caused by 'petrol bomb attack'

Postby dutchman » Fri Mar 31, 2023 5:23 pm

I'll hazard a guess drug dealers were involved in some way or other? :roll:
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