Lakes School gym opened in honour of survivor and champion

The Lakes School in Troutbeck Bridge, near Windermere, officially opened its new Strength & Fitness Gym in honour of Sir Ben Helfgott MBE.

Sir Ben was a Holocaust survivor and former resident of the Calgarth Estate, which is now where The Lakes School resides.

He was one of 300 Jewish orphans who arrived at the estate in 1945 to rebuild their lives after the war.

Sir Ben went on to become a professional weightlifter, competing for Great Britain in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games.

He won three gold medals at the Maccabiah Games in Israel and a bronze medal at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.

The gym’s opening was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by distinguished guests (Image: Supplied)

The gym’s opening was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by distinguished guests including Christine Hallatsch, proud Lakes School alumni and Mayor of Windermere, former Lakes School PE teacher (1979-2016) Steve Field, and endurance athlete Andy Wilkin.

Former England Rugby player and entrepreneur in Australia’s fitness industry, Sam Newton, also sent in a video message to mark the occasion.

Attendees were also honoured by a talk from Trevor Avery, BEM, celebrating the life and legacy of Sir Ben Helfgott MBE.

Trevor was joined by Ben Helfgott's son Nathan and grandson Reuben, who shared personal stories of their father and grandfather’s journey as a Holocaust survivor and his achievements.

The project was made possible thanks to the support of The Academy Programme, Windermere Town Council, Windermere & Ambleside Lions Club, Windermere School Endowment, Ambleside Kirkstone Rotary Club, The Lakes School Community Partnership, M & Y Baker & Mrs L Brown.

The new gym will offer students alternative learning opportunities, including an ASDAN qualification in collaboration with The Academy Programme, focusing on skills such as resilience and humility through functional fitness.

Sixth Form students will also be able to complete Level 2 Fitness Instructor courses.

The new gym will offer students alternative learning opportunities (Image: Supplied)

Commenting on the project, Luke Brown, project coordinator, said: "We are thrilled to open this facility, which will provide life-changing opportunities for our students that broaden horizons and create lifelong memories.

"It’s not just about fitness—it’s about creating a pathway for personal growth and empowerment."

In 2015, Sir Ben planted a tree on the school grounds, grown from an acorn from Auschwitz, as a tribute to those who sought refuge and hope on the estate.

A plaque by the tree honours the survivors and their stories.