I turned 40 this year, and wanted to do something to challenge myself.
The work YoungMinds do is so important. Particularly now, when everyone is facing the long-term effects of the pandemic.
I did a powerlifting challenge on 3 December 2022. The challenge was to lift 1,000lb across three lifts: squat, bench press and deadlift. In the end, I lifted 1,025lb, but across the whole event (around two and a half hours) including warm-up sets, I had to lift over five tonnes of weight!
I had my family there to watch and support me, it felt very special.
I’m nothing special… a dad of four and husband of one who adds numbers up for a living.
I live for my wife and kids, and trying to be the best I can be.
I’m very private, so doing something like this so openly was very unusual for me.
My wife suffers with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. It’s been very difficult. I’ve seen first hand how serious and unexpectedly mental health crises can hit people.
I want to do what I can to help, and supporting a charity like YoungMinds, who tackle issues with young people before their issues become crises, seemed to me like the best way.
Driven
Balanced
Empathetic
Class 6CJ wrote a book in lockdown and sold it to raise money.
Ian wrote a children's book called The Bear That Found His Way.
Helen took on the challenge of swimming the English Channel in July 2025.
