Kyle goes to hell and back for twomuch loved local charity groups

Kyle’s just handed over £1,150 to Marie Curie Cancer Care and Foyle Search and Rescue after completing a series of crazy physical endurance challenges for the charities.

He explains: “I started this year out wanting to do something different as a challenge, but not knowing what to do or where to start.

“I was reading the paper one day and entered a competition to win an entry into a fully booked ‘Mud Madness’ race.

“I ended up winning the competition and off I went to the five mile mud run not knowing what to expect.

“It was tough going but once I crossed the finish line I was hooked and before I knew it I was signed up for another Mud Madness (Portadown), two Hell and Back races (Bray, Sligo), Tough Mudder (Dublin), Run for the Hills (Pomeroy), Spartan Race (Edinburgh), Ultimate Survivor (Letterkenny), North Coast 10k (Portrush) and Surf and Turf Half Marathon (Benone & Binevenagh), all within seven months.”

It was during this half a year of madness that Kyle decided to twin his personal endurance marathons with two noble causes dear to the hearts of many across the North West.

“I had never challenged myself like this before so I decided to raise funds for Foyle Search and Rescue and Marie Curie Cancer Care,” he says.

“I had a blast overcoming the obstacles that stood in my way, some of which were ice baths, jumping fire, climbing 10 foot walls, running through mud (sometimes above knee deep), running up a mountain and across the beach.”

Kyle says the experience was a great way of meeting new people and, despite the individual aspect of the challenges, of realising further how to work effectively as part of a team or teams.

“I recruited a few team members to help me over come some of the obstacles in a few of the races and they were a great team and together nothing could stop us. The people that you meet at these races are fantastic. Everyone is helpful and encouraging.

“I held a fundraiser in the Beaufort Hotel in Claudy in August and received great support from the local people. In total I raised £1,150 pounds I hope this helps the two causes I have selected.

“I am really excited for next year so I can continue with more mud and obstacles.”