A helping hand for Sarah and Mike

Sarah Jane and Mike Harford are the love and soul behind Gravity. Starting from scratch in 2015 as Aerial Silks Queenstown, their community grew so much that the space they were in became too small. A new space was found in Remarkables Park, - and this was where Gravity was born. However, by January 2018, when the time had come to start trading, the building was incomplete, and nowhere near ready. What the developers had promised was clearly lacking, and although they were continuously told it would be ready in a couple of weeks, it was not until five months later that Gravity could open. Within this time, Mike worked tirelessly to do the whole re-fit, insulation, hallways, doors, reception area, flooring etc. These building delays meant that the initial loan for the fit-out eventually dissolved into their own living costs. Another loan was necessary to open Gravity as soon as possible after such a long time without trading, and paying out endless costs. The financial setback did not allow for Sarah and Mike to put in everything they previously had, such as aerial yoga.

About nine months after Gravity opened -and still struggling with the financial loss and burden of the initial building delays- their beautiful baby, Phoenix, arrived. Another manager/teacher was appointed for this time, but this did not go to plan and unfortunately Sarah Jane had to return to work when Phoenix was only 5 weeks old.

At the same time, Mike has been dealing with some very difficult personal issues. In 2011, Mike was involved in the tragic events of the Christchurch earthquake. In the past he has toured with many bands and stage productions as a skillful and well-accomplished rigger, so used his expertise to risk his life and rescue seven people from the collapsed PGC building. He received a civic award for bravery and his involvement in the rescues (see the following article https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/77971700/quake-survivors-epic-tale-he-gave-me-my-life). However, eight years later, he is still suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the event and struggles with anxiety and depression daily. With major financial stress, the very likelihood of bankruptcy, and the recent closure of Gravity along with trying to manage his PTSD, has sadly left Mike and Sarah in a very desperate situation.

Since starting from nothing in 2015, neither Sarah Jane or Mike have been paid for teaching, or the labour in building and setting up of the new studio. They have sacrificed so much of their own time, money, hobbies and so on to follow their dream for the community. Their vision for Gravity was not only limited to a studio for aerial arts such as silks and lyra, but wanted to encompass much more - poles for pole dancing, a yoga room, a dance studio, a suite available for osteo, physical therapy and massage and so on. It was intended to be a multi-purpose venue that could be hired out for other events. The essence of Gravity was all about supporting the performing arts community and providing a facility for themselves, and others, to teach their passion.

Now, with the closure of Gravity and approximately $100,000 in debt, Sarah and Mike need some personal support to get them back on their feet. I want to help support them with their everyday living costs, rent, etc as they are now struggling to pay for essentials after the huge financial loss of Gravity. Perhaps even a little break away (they have not been able to have a honeymoon after their wedding last year) to recoup and gain some energy as they are extremely exhausted from this situation. I am sure that with a helping hand to ease some of their worries about necessary living costs, they will then be able to come back a little stronger and begin a strategy to get aerial training back for the community.

Thank you so much for your support! It will mean so much to Sarah and Mike.

You can read more in the Mountain Scene article here: https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/couple-put-through-hoops