A FITNESS fanatic is limbering up in a bid to break a burpee broad jump world record in support of a charity set up in honour of a former Coventry Rugby Club player.
Ollie Russell will be attempting to travel the furthest in 48 hours while doing the gruelling exercise around the Old Silhillians Rugby Club on October 11.
He will be completing the challenge around the pitch where there is a memorial bench in honour of his dad, Jon, who not only coached Ollie at the club but was a good friend of Matt Gallagher, who he is fundraising for,
Matt was diagnosed with Motor Neurones Disease (MND) last year and and his family have chosen to face it head-on with positivity and determination by setting up the Matt Gallagher Foundation.
At present there is no cure for the disease which affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord known as motor neurones and can cause muscles to weaken, stiffen and waste, which can affect how people walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe.
The Foundation aims to help others like Matt who need help to fund specialist equipment to help make day to day life a bit easier and to raise awareness about MND.
Ollie said: “The reason behind the burpee broad jump record is to show no matter how many times life knocks you down, you get back up and jump into the next obstacle with a smile on your face.
“I heard a lot of great stories growing up and Matt’s name was mentioned many times.
“A great rugby player and even better bloke, my dad would say.”
Ollie started his fitness journey as a way to navigate his life after both his parents were diagnosed with cancer and his dad died of the disease over six years ago.
Since then he has completed a number of endurance challenges like Ironman, Ultra marathons and other unique events for charities.
He added: “My dad would tell me to do things for the little guys.
“The people who don’t have a voice and need someone to step up.
“Even though they are going through hell themselves, they seem to find the energy to effortlessly put other people’s struggles ahead of their own.
“So that’s why I know he would be telling me to go full steam ahead with the Matt Gahallgher Foundation to shine a light on the people affected by this disease.”
As well as the physical challenge Ollie has set himself a fundraising target of £3,000 for the Foundation.
Over the summer the Foundation’s fundraising total has increased to just under £450,000 and helped 16 families since the it was established back in the winter of 2023.
Supporters came out to take part in various bike rides, half marathons and a charity cricket match with Knowle and Dorridge Cricket Club.
For more or to donate visit the Matt Gallagher Foundation social media sites or click here.
