A FLINTSHIRE mum is hoping to open a gym exclusively for women - which also provides childcare and mental health services.

The quirky venture is the brainchild of 35-year-old Kathryn Jones, from Hawarden, who is now crowd funding to stump up the funds required to turn the dream into a reality.

The gym, which would called Aspire to Inspire Fitness, would be located in Deeside and be an all women's gym, which would include the added childcare, mental health support and nutritional advice services.

Kathryn, a mum-of-two, said: "I trained to be a personal trainer three years ago but haven't as yet made much use of it.

"I spent 15 years in the business finance industry but now want to devote all my efforts into this venture."

And for it to become a reality, Kathryn needs the help of the Flintshire community to raise at least £5,000 - which Natwest has agreed to match if she reaches the fundraising target.

She said: "It has always been a dream of mine to open up and run my own gym designed for women.

"Giving them a safe and comfortable environment so they can feel relaxed and succeed at there goals without the pressures of a normal gym.

"Many women I have spoken to feel put off by going to gyms which are open to both sexes.

"I enjoy training mums that have a busy lifestyle, and working out fitness plans that can revolve around their day. This can ensure workouts can be included in every aspect of the day from taking the kids to school to doing the weekly shop.

"Opening my own gym I feel would be a great thing for the mums in the community. Giving them somewhere they can all workout together and help each other reach their goals. I would like to also run child classes and facilities so they don't have to leave their children at home."

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About the mental health support service, Kathryn said: "Mental health is on the rise for all age groups, I believe that this type of plan can help all women and children feel better about themselves with the help of fitness and nutrition and knowing they have somewhere to turn to that is a safe and friendly environment.

"I have recently had a meeting with the local charity MIND and I have someone already lined up for the mental health workshops.

"Making sure there is something for everyone is a key factor for the gym, as we want to be able to make it a fun, safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all ages."

Kathryn hasn't purchased a unit yet, but says she has several potential locations earmarked.

She said: "The minimum we would require for fitting our gym with good and suitable equipment is £5,000.

"This doesn't include fitting changing rooms and showers, or the fitting of flooring and electrical work which will need to be carried out. As we progress further we would be continuously looking to improve the layout of our facilities and include a larger area for the children during their visit. Also giving them somewhere suitable for classes and learning."

Kathryn is hoping to have a children's play area in place as part of the childcare service.

She added: "The more we raise, the more equipment we can buy to give the best we can to our customers and help us grow and thrive."

People can donate to the scheme here. 

Donating certain amounts makes people eligible for rewards in the form of a range of Aspire to Inspire products.