Heartbeat receives ‘kicking’ support from martial arts school

Southampton-based cardiac charity has received vital support from a martial arts school that has completed its ambitious challenge to deliver 150,000 kicks for good causes throughout June and July.

Zheng Dao Lo (ZDL) Martial Arts Academy in Chichester has run its annual charity Chinese Kickboxing challenge for the past three years, and this year set its highest target yet.

An incredible £3317.50 (£2680 + £637.50 gift aid)  was raised and will be shared between two regional charities – Heartbeat and St Wilfred’s Hospice in Chichester – both of which have directly supported members of the ZDL community.

The kickboxing academy, which has schools in Chichester, Bognor, and Havant, as well as a school in Wales, counted every kick made across all its classes over the two-month period.

Sifu Eddie Craig said: “Our target was 50,000 kicks in 2024, 100,000 in 2025, and this year we pushed ourselves to reach 150,000. It was a big ask of our members, but they have done us all proud. The final kick total was 165,000 kicks which is incredible.

“It’s a real pleasure to pass on the money raised to two charities that have supported some of our members.”

Cardiac charity, Heartbeat, was chosen because of the support it provided to member, David Tooke, and his family after his daughter was born with heart disease. Rheya Tooke was just 10 days old when she received lifesaving surgery at the University Hospital Southampton. Now 14, she has undergone several operations throughout her lifetime, with her most recent surgery taking place just over a year ago. The family have been supported by Heartbeat throughout, including providing a place for David to stay at its Rotary Heartbeat House, just 3-minutes’ walk from the hospital.

Rheya Tooke and her Dad, David Tooke

David Tooke : "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Heartbeat for the incredible support they have given my daughter throughout her life. Their help has been invaluable to me, my wife Claire, and, most importantly, Rheya.

It was Rheya who inspired me to return to kickboxing after many years away from the sport. Watching her show such extraordinary bravery through multiple surgeries, and seeing first-hand the importance of cardiovascular health, motivated me to take on this challenge.

I would also like to thank my Sifu, and now good friend, Eddie Craig, for giving me the opportunity to raise money for Heartbeat. It was Eddie who asked about the charity that had supported our family over the years, and without his encouragement and support, this fundraising effort would not have happened.

I am incredibly proud to be one of his students and a member of such a fantastic martial arts academy. Being able to give something back to Heartbeat, a charity that has meant so much to our family, has been a truly special experience."

Heartbeats’ Community Fundraising and Marketing Manager, Tanya Harder commented: " We are incredibly grateful to ZDL for choosing to support Heartbeat through this amazing fundraising effort. Seeing a community come together in such a meaningful way for causes that have touched the lives of its members is truly inspiring. It reflects the very essence of family, people standing beside one another, offering support when it is needed most, which is at the heart of everything we do at Heartbeat. This was an extraordinary challenge, and every single person who took part should be immensely proud of their achievement. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and sincere thanks to everyone involved

“Every pound raised will help Heartbeat continue to provide vital care and support to cardiac patients and their families at some of the most challenging times in their lives. Rotary Heartbeat House has been an invaluable source of comfort and support for Rheya’s family, and we are deeply grateful to David for choosing to nominate us. His kindness and generosity, along with the support of everyone involved, will make a real difference to the families who rely on our services. Thank you so much”