Gym boss issues heartfelt statement after 'medical emergency' in cardio room

The manager of a health club that was forced to shut down following a 'medical emergency' in a cardio room has issued a heartfelt statement.

Marshside Health Club, located on Slaidburn Crescent in Southport, had to abruptly close its doors just before 5pm on Wednesday (June 5) due to the incident. An air ambulance was seen hovering over the nearby Marshside Primary School before landing in a yard near the gym.

The gym remained closed on June 6 "out of respect for those involved", and reopened on June 7. Paul Hibbott, who operates the gym, issued a statement via the company's Facebook page

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He said: "Hello, it's Paul from Marshside Health Club. As many of you are aware we've been closed today due to a medical emergency that happened in the cardio room yesterday afternoon.

"I just felt we needed to address the situation as a club before reopening. First and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with the family and their friends at this difficult time.

"Our thoughts are truly with them. How to respect the privacy of those affected? My staff will not be commenting further on this matter.

"I personally would like to thank the rapid response team and the air ambulance team for their incredible service to this incident. I can't thank them enough.

"A special thank you goes to the two members who alerted the situation to reception staff with such haste. I would personally like to thank my own staff for the way they all pulled together in this difficult time.

"You're all doing an amazing job and I'm incredibly proud that you're part of Marshside Health Club. Thank you all."

He added: "Please refrain from asking the staff any questions about the incident. Finally, thanks to the members for their support and being so understanding in this difficult time for Marshside Health Club and my staff. Thank you."

Responding to his heartfelt statement, a wave of supportive messages poured in for the fitness centre and the person who suffered the medical emergency, the ECHO reports. One wrote: "Feel for you Paul, well said. We all appreciate how difficult it is for the staff. Let's pull together as a team and get everyone through."

Another said: "We're all behind you and your staff Paul - whatever has happened the pain of the trauma is written all over your face God bless you all."

A third replied: "So feel for you Paul, the pain shows in every word you said. My heart goes out to the family, you and your staff and the members who were present."