Hyrox for Helena's Hospice

Abbie Eagles is organizing this fundraiser to benefit St Helena Hospice Ltd.

After recently losing my grandad to cancer and facing other personal hurdles in my life, I found myself at a loose end and in a place of sadness. In light of this and it being a new year, I have decided to channel my energy and focus and give myself a purpose to raise money for a charity that helped my grandad in his last journey in life.

Although my grandad had 87 great years of living, his life was sadly cut short when he was diagnosed with bowel & liver cancer in June 2022. At the time of his diagnosis, despite his age, my grandad was still in his prime; the only thing that he struggled with at that stage was his hearing which I used to my advantage sometimes! Up until his diagnosis, he would walk every day for his newspaper, was a passionate and keen gardener and wouldn't say no to a glass of wine with his dinner or a few beers down the pub with his friends and would always remain the joker and wind up of the family.

Cancer quickly took all of the things my grandad loved to do away from him although his humour remained until his final days. There was still so much of my life I hoped my grandad would be here to witness which unfortunately now won't happen as a result of this awful disease that impacts so many lives.

I would like to raise money in my grandad's memory by competing in an intense, high-endurance fitness race called Hyrox on 1st May 2023.

The race consists of an 8 km run with one functional exercise after every kilometre. The exercises involved are not for those of the faint-hearted and include burpees, rowing, weighted lunges... all of those that even sound horrible. I am lucky enough to be taking part with one of my closest friends and together we will get through it.

The race will challenge me physically and mentally and I will need to ensure for the 13 weeks leading up to the race I follow a strict training programme in preparation.

I have chosen to raise money for St Helena Hospice in Colchester, Essex, who helped my grandad remain comfortable and provided amazing care for him in his last stages of life and additionally supported myself and my family at such a difficult time.

St Helena Hospice is an independent charity providing services free of charge to care for more than 4000 local people facing incurable illness and bereavement. The hospice heavily relies on the generosity of fundraisers to provide their care and support.

I am determined to put myself through this challenge to support and raise money for people with life-limiting illnesses and for families who are suffering like myself from a loss of a loved one. Any donations or support would be hugely appreciated and encourage me to keep my big bum off the sofa and in the gym.

Thank you!!!