Entertainment

Joe Wicks raises £200,000 for the NHS with online PE class

The fitness coach praised the health service after having surgery on his hand following a bike fall.
The fitness coach praised the health service after having surgery on his hand following a bike fall. The fitness coach praised the health service after having surgery on his hand following a bike fall.

Joe Wicks has raised £200,000 for the NHS through his online PE class.

The fitness coach revealed the news during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, after returning home from hospital following surgery on his hand due to a bike fall.

The 33-year-old told co-hosts Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard: “I was laying in there on Friday night and Saturday night, and all of Sunday. I was treated by someone from Scotland, Ireland, Iran, Jamaica, Philippines, Sri Lanka and I thought ‘What an amazing place.’

“The NHS isn’t just a service. It’s a community of people who are out there helping other people.

“It doesn’t matter if you walk into that hospital the richest man on earth or the poorest man in town – they love you, they take care of you, they make you feel safe.

“For that, I am eternally grateful. It was the first time ever I had a true experience of gratitude, and that’s why I want to say a massive dedication today, because the NHS is a wonderful thing.

“I am proud to announce we have raised £200,000 for the NHS Charities Together.”

Ellie Goulding wedding
Ellie Goulding wedding Joe Wicks and his wife Rosie (Peter Byrne/PA)

NHS Charities Together supports staff and volunteers working on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic.

Wicks appeared with his wife Rosie, who is hosting his PE classes on YouTube while he recovers.

She said: “I want to make it clear that I am not taking his place. I am just demonstrating the exercises. He is still going to be taking the class. I am just doing whatever he tells me to do.

“I had a baby like four months ago so I have had a bit of a break (from exercise), but now I have got back into it. I will either do Joe’s videos or sometimes we will work out together.”

Wicks added: “I’m really proud of her. She is really out of her comfort zone.

“She has not done anything like this before, to do a live workout to probably millions of people. I am so proud and I love you so much for it, darling.”

The couple tied the knot in June last year having been engaged since November 2018.

Wicks confirmed that his wife would be taking the workout on Tuesday as well, as his injury means that he is still unable to take the session.

He said on Instagram: “I think Mrs Wicks was an absolutely fantastic teaching assistant don’t you?

“Good news. She’s agreed to come back and help tomorrow too.”