During this difficult and uncertain time, many individuals have challenged themselves physically to raise money for charities and organisations. Active Essex recognise the huge amount of Essex residents who have done this over the past few months and would like to give each of you a round of applause.
Jack Stanton-Stock our shortlisted Young Sports Personality of the Year 2019, joined this cohort of individuals and took on a challenge the day he turned 18. Jack from Saffron Waldon, should have been enjoying a season of triathlon this year as he moved into his middle year as an Elite Junior with the England Next Generation Performance Squad (ENG) at British Triathlon.
He and another British Triathlon Elite Junior athlete, Dan Dixon from Newcastle who shares the same birthday, decided to spend 18 hours on their static bikes on their 18th birthday.
Jack took on the lockdown challenge of 18 hours for 18 years and set out to raise £2000. The strength and determination is great to see and their willingness to do something for their community during this time is inspiring. After completing the mammoth challenge, they managed to break their target and have raised just short of £5000 for the NHS.
Jack rode a total of 512km, climbed over 4000 meters and burnt over 8000 calories during the 18 hour challenge. He started at midnight on his birthday and rode for 18 hours with two 30 minute breaks every 6 hours. During the ride most of the eating, and drinking was done whilst cycling, showing sheer determination. British Triathlon helped Jack to plan their nutrition for before, during and after the epic ride.
Jack’s story and challenge is inspiring and so many other individuals have taken on physical challenges, we want to congratulate you all. It is these stories that shine a light through these difficult times. Essex you too deserve this May One in a Million.
Jack and Dan’s just giving page is still open for donations https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/18hoursfor18years
