Sir Geoff Hurst MBE’s, grandson, Jack completes marathon challenge for Sue Ryder

London

On Saturday 7 December, Jack Driver, 34, from Cheltenham achieved an extraordinary feat, completing three marathons across three gym machines, raising over £7,700 so far for palliative and bereavement support charity, Sue Ryder.

Jack, grandson of footballing legend, Sir Geoff Hurst MBE, took on the challenge to honour his mum, Claire, who was cared for at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice near Cheltenham in the final days of her life.

The ambitious challenge equated to the equivalent of one marathon (42,195m) on each of three machines: The Ski Erg, The Row Erg, and the Bike Erg. Jack completed all three marathons on Concept 2 machines in eight hours and 14 minutes of relentless effort.

Tackling the marathons at the gym he owns, Gym66 Jack pushed his physical and mental limits, training for nine weeks leading up to the event. His preparation involved gradually increasing his endurance on each machine and completing three half-marathons in the final stretch before the big day.

Jack’s motivation stemmed from a deeply personal connection to Sue Ryder. His mum, Claire, died at the Leckhampton based Sue Ryder hospice on December 1, 2010, after living with brain tumours for many years. Jack reflects: “The support Sue Ryder gave to my mum and our family was amazing. We felt very welcome in the hospice and mum being there meant that my grandparents could be with their daughter, my aunts with their sister, and I with my mum in those final days.”

This isn’t the first time Jack has channelled his determination into supporting Sue Ryder. Over the years, he has participated in charity challenges, including Sue Ryder’s Starlight Hike event and a gruelling 4,000-calorie gym challenge. However, this latest effort was his most demanding yet.
Speaking after the challenge, Jack said: “This was by far the biggest challenge I’ve ever taken on. I knew that physically

I could complete the miles, but I don’t think you can ever be fully prepared for a challenge like this mentally. With every mile I thought of mum.

"What was most important was not necessarily crossing the finish line - although I am proud of what I have achieved - it was seeing the donations coming in knowing that I was able to give something back to Sue Ryder so that they can continue to be there for other families like they were for mine."

Jack continues: “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated, no matter how big or small, and to everyone who supported me through my training and cheered me onto the finish line. It really helped especially during my final minutes of the ski erg which was pretty tough at the end!”

Alysia Cameron-Price, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said: “We are in awe of the mental and physical determination Jack has shown for such an epic challenge. The £7707 Jack has raised so far could fund 308 hours of expert care, so Sue Ryder doctors and nurses can manage patients’ pain and symptoms and make more space for a family’s final days to be filled with love. We’re so thankful for Jack’s determination and passion in honouring his mum’s memory.”

Jack's grandfather, Sir Geoff Hurst, added, "Jack has reached a fitness goal not many people achieve, all the while helping to make a real difference to many people needing Sue Ryder's vital care and support. I'm really proud of my grandson for his amazing hat trick raising vital funds for a charity that's so close to our hearts."

To donate to Jack’s challenge, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jack-driver-concept2marathon
 

 

More details about Sir Geoff Hurst MBE’s, grandson, Jack completes marathon challenge for Sue Ryder (External Link)

 

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