SUNDAY'S SCORCHER - KIRKY SMASHED HIS HALF IRONMAN CHALLENGE IN MEMORY OF MAX
Sunday's Scorcher - Kirky Smashed His Half Ironman Challenge In Memory Of Max
Boy, oh boy are we excited to see challenge events back again?
Not only do we love a challenge and see the huge benefits for both our physical and mental wellbeing here at Mintridge HQ, but we also know how much funding and awareness it brings for charities like ourselves at the Mintridge Foundation (a registered charity dedicated to enhancing life skills in young people through sporting role models).
The first event to take place in Staffordshire since the Coronavirus Pandemic was no different, and we were in awe of Will Kirkpatrick who joined around 1000 other competitors in the scorching temperatures to complete the Staffordshire Ironman 70.3. There was a special reason behind the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run, and that was to raise funds for the Max Hunter Fund within the Mintridge Foundation. Max Hunter, a dear school friend of Will’s, who died by suicide in August 2019, aged 28. Valuable funds raised will go towards keeping Will’s much-loved friend’s fun, caring and sporting memory alive as well as changing perceptions and challenging stereotypes in the process. The Mintridge Foundation will deliver mentoring programmes across the UK focussing on Max’s favourite sports and encouraging a new dialogue around how to look after our mental health just as we do our physical.
We were very grateful to Robyn (Will’s fiancé) for keeping us updated from the early WhatsApp messages through to a fun filled Instagram story for the epic 6-hour challenge. Thank you, Robyn! How Will was still smiling in each transition phase, we have NO idea but we were buzzing! To view Will’s efforts via Strava, click here. We are tired just looking at it…
We know that Max was looking down proudly on Kirky on Sunday with the biggest smile while enjoying a pint of London Pride willing him round the gruelling course!
£4,331! Can Kirky reach £5,000? We think so! There is still time to support Will’s heroic efforts, however big or small, together, we can change the narrative!
To keep up to date with the 28 NOT OUT programme which starts this October with Mintridge Ambassadors, George Furbank, Stevie Eskinazi, Patrick Foster and Georgie Roberts, sign up to our newsletter.
We would love for you to fundraise for the Max Hunter Fund, and you can do so by clicking here.
The Mintridge Foundation would love to welcome new fundraisers for upcoming challenge events such as:
The Vitality Big Half - Sunday 22nd August 2021 (13.1 mile RUN)
The Great North Run - Sunday 12th September 2021
Swim Serpentine - Saturday 18th September 2021 (2 mile SWIM)
Royal Parks Half - Sunday 10th October 2021 (13.1 mile RUN)
If you would like a #TeamMintridge spot, please contact alex@mintridge.org.uk for individual event information.
To read news reports from the event, you can do so in the Express & Star just here.
If you would like to understand more about our mentoring programmes with elite athletes and how they can support the young people at your school or club, please contact Katie Smith.
If you are considering supporting the Mintridge Foundation as a business, organisation or as an individual, head to our SUPPORT US page below.
The Mintridge Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to enhancing life skills in young people through sport. We provide a support network for young people by harnessing the power of positive sporting role models. The Mintridge Foundation assists young people of all ages, abilities and physical capabilities to develop confidence and resilience, and creates awareness of the importance of mental and physical wellbeing through sport.
Our team of Ambassadors - Olympians, Paralympians and other professional sports stars from over 20 sports, both team and individual - work with young people in schools, clubs and academies across the UK. Starting with visits including assemblies, coaching clinics and classroom sessions tailored to each organisation’s requirements, our ambassadors can then provide one- on- one remote mentoring in a safeguarded environment, delivered via technology such as Fitswarm and Playwaze to build a lasting legacy for individuals.
The Mintridge Foundation’s successes demonstrate the incredible power of sport; from a mentee’s selection to represent Great Britain in their chosen field to enabling disabled children to find confidence and happiness just through participation. Understanding life after sport, we also support our Ambassadors in their transition from active sport to the next stage of their careers.
The Mintridge Foundation
Unit 4, Shieling Court
Northfolds Road
Corby
Northants
NN18 9QD
Tel: +44 (0) 1536 447106
www.mintridgefoundation.org.uk