onePT raises funds for mental health charities with 4x4x48 challenge

A personal trainer at onePT and one of the gym’s members have raised over £2,000 for the Stephen Gartland Foundation and Andy’s Man Club by running around the streets of Rochdale for 48 hours.

John Carroll, personal trainer, was joined by member Carl Abraham in completing retired Navy Seal and ultrarunner David Goggins’ challenge of four miles every four hours in 48 hours (4x4x48) – socially distanced at all times – between 5 and 7 March.

After the gruelling event, Carl said: “We can’t put in to words how proud we are to complete such a mental and physically demanding challenge and continue to be overwhelmed by the support we’ve received so far.

“People personally donating, sharing our journey via social media or even joining us during the challenge definitely inspired us and gave us the motivation to keep going when little voices in our heads were saying stop.”

John added: “Knowing that the money raised will make such a difference and support the important work that they conduct within our community can only inspire us to attempt more challenges in the future.”

 

 

At the time of publication, they have raised £2,035 which will be split equally between the two charities.

onePT wanted to continue what it started in 2020 by raising money and much needed awareness for two causes in the Stephen Gartland (SG6) Foundation and Andy’s Man Club.

The SG6 Foundation charity was launched in memory of aeronautical engineer, Stephen Gartland (aka ‘Garty’), who took his own life in August 2016, aged just 45, after suffering with depression. The foundation helps to support adults and children with mental health issues whilst providing help with sporting equipment and opportunities.

Andy's Man Club is a registered charity in England and Wales and currently has over 900 men attending 28 different groups nationwide. The club was first founded in Halifax by Halifax rugby league player Luke Ambler, in memory of his brother-in-law Andy, to raise awareness of male suicide and work to remove the stigma of depression.

The local group in Rochdale holds weekly sessions at Mayfield Sports Centre on Mondays and is facilitated by Brad Gartland, Stephen's son.

Dr Neil Fell, PhD Co-Founder of onePT, commented: “What John and Carl achieved is incredible and have been a true inspiration to our members – equally our members have been fantastic in terms of their support.

“We are looking forward to further challenges this summer once lockdown restrictions are lifted when more members will be getting involved including Total Warrior and Trek Fest the Beacons which were unfortunately cancelled last year.”

Donations can still be made via GoFundMe at:

• www.gofundme.com/f/rat-race-039coast-to-coast039-2020

 

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Andys Man Club

A powerful talking group, providing men with a safe space to openly discuss their worries and mental health concerns. Andys Man Club runs every Monday (except bank holidays) from 7pm - 9pm at Mayfield Sports Centre, Keswick Street, Castleton, OL11 3AG.

If you would like to attend Andys Man Club, please email info@andysmanclub.co.uk or message the Facebook page.