A personal training studio in Nether Poppleton has raised £10,000 towards a project providing suicide prevention benches across North Yorkshire.
Definition Body Coaching reached the fundraising milestone within 18 months, helping to support the installation of four benches designed to provide a place for people to pause, reflect and access mental health support.
The benches form part of a national initiative established by former Tottenham Hotspur footballer Micky Hazard and his sister Michelle. The pair founded the charity Legend on the Bench following the death of Michelle’s son, Jay, who died by suicide in 2019 aged 23.
Every bench features a QR code which provides direct access to mental health information and support services, meaning help and advice can be reached around the clock.
Micky Hazard said: “Someone is always listening, that is the message we want to send out.”
Definition Body Coaching began working with Legend on the Bench in spring 2025, with the aim of bringing the project to communities throughout North Yorkshire.
The first two benches were unveiled in December 2025 at Chesney Park in York and Valley Gardens in Harrogate. The ceremonies were attended by Mr Hazard and former UEFA Cup-winning captain Graham Roberts.
A third bench was installed last month at South Bay Harbour in Scarborough, while work is now underway to bring a fourth to Whitby.
Justin Shepherd, owner of Definition Body Coaching, said the fundraising had been made possible through the support of the studio’s clients.
He said: “These benches have been a brilliant fundraiser for us that all our studio clients have been a huge part of.
“We have had multiple prize draws and auctions to get to the brilliant amount raised.
“It has been very inspiring to see these benches arrive in North Yorkshire.
“Our message is that people matter.
“These benches create awareness of mental health, which is so vital for all of us.
“It would be great to see even more benches installed in North Yorkshire across 2026 and beyond.”
Definition Body Coaching has been operating since 2014 and is run by Mr Shepherd with fellow trainers Carl Ward and Mike Gray
