Haverhill firefighter Richard Daniels wears 30kg oxygen cylinder as he completes London Hyrox in aid of Action Duchenne and The Fire Fighters Charity
A Haverhill firefighter overcame his ’toughest ever challenge’ to smash his fund-raising goal as he completed the HYROX challenge at London’s Olympia.
Richard Daniels, a crew manager with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), more than doubled his fund-raising target.
Having set a £500 target for both the Fire Fighters Charity and Action Duchenne, he netted £1,065 for the former and £1,275 for the latter after completing Sunday’s gruelling test.
The 35-year-old dad of two, of Roman Way, Haverhill, had to run 8km - completing a functional exercise after each kilometre, such as an 1,000m SkiErg and a 1,000m row.
He also wore full firefighting gear, including breathing equipment - adding an extra 30kg to his weight. He completed it in 1hr 43m.
“I knew I had the physical strength to complete the course, so I wanted to take it a step further and make it more challenging,” Richard explained.
“I also hoped that by pushing myself, I could inspire others to support causes that are close to my family’s hearts.”
He added: “This was the toughest physically and mentally challenging experience I have ever had, the moment when I crossed the finish line I think I had every emotion possible going through my head seeing my family and friends on the other side and having them cheer me on all the way around with the spectators around the arena it was such a great atmosphere.
“The toughest part of the race was the 80 metres of burpee broad jumps with the cylinder coming down on your back and getting back onto your feet along with the 100m of lunges with 20kg bag on top of your shoulders that just didn’t sit right and was off balance for the duration.
“I feel overwhelmed and appreciate everyone for the support shown towards me in raising over double my set out target for two amazing charity’s who are very close to our family's hearts.”
Action Duchenne works to raise awareness and fund research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare and incurable condition that causes progressive muscle wastage.
Richard’s wife Kelly’s cousin, Glen Hollingsworth, suffered from DMD and passed away aged just 11.
Jon Lacey, chief fire officer at SFRS, said: “Richard’s determination and strength are a true reflection of the values we hold dear in the fire and rescue service.
“Taking on such a demanding challenge, especially in full firefighting kit, demonstrates not only incredible physical endurance but a deep commitment to causes that matter.”
The Fire Fighters Charity provides clinical care and wellbeing support to fire service members and their families, helping them cope with the physical, emotional, and social challenges of their demanding work.
Donation to Richard’s Just Giving page can be made HERE
For further information about The Fire Fighters Charity click HERE:
Find further information about Action Duchenne HERE
