HUT 3 supports the World Record ‘Chin up Challenge’
On Saturday 12th June, HUT 3 visited Franklin’s Gardens – home of the Northampton Saints. But this time, we weren’t watching a match. Instead, we were supporting Northamptonshire gym owner and former Royal Marine Jack Fleckney. Jack was attempting to break the world record for the most chin ups completed within 24 hours. HUT 3 sponsored the event, along with other businesses.
The ‘Chin Up Challenge’
The chin up challenge is raising funds for the Northampton Saints Foundation. All funds raised by Jack will help to build new classrooms at the Franklin’s Gardens Hub. Young people struggling in or that have been excluded from mainstream schools are referred to the Engage project, which is based at the Hub and the classrooms there. Engage uses practical-based activities to empower and support students to see the positives in everyday life.
There are many great fundraisers and charities HUT 3 could sponsor. But it’s the Northampton Saints Foundation and Jack’s ambitious effort to support them that resonates with us. The Foundation use the values of rugby and the power of sport to inspire, help and educate young people. As a business we hold these values too and are motivated by them every day. For anyone not familiar with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) core values. Here they are:
- Teamwork
- Respect
- Enjoyment
- Discipline
Jack’s history raising funds
In 2020, Jack raised 7K for the Saints Foundation by smashing the World Record, achieving 283,131m in 24 hours on a Ski Erg machine, which replicates the movement of cross country skiing. But this time Jack has set his sights even higher and is aiming to raise 100K. Over the past 5 years Jack has raised over 50K for charities. During this time, he has completed the 3 Peaks Challenge also leading 30 other people, a festive Ski Erg challenge, 2000 burpees challenge and many more.
Jack’s story is an inspiring one. Before joining the Royal Marines, he played rugby for Coventry-based team, WASPS. It’s hard to imagine someone as capable and accomplished as Jack facing adversity. But during his junior years he faced setbacks including speech and learning difficulties. However, Jack believes this only drove him harder to overcome these challenges.
Jack unfortunately didn’t break the World Record on this occasion, but we doubt this will deter him from his next big challenge. As Covid-19 travel restrictions (hopefully) continue to lift, Jack is looking further afield for his next adventure, he’ll be competing in the Marathon Des Sables (MdS) known as ‘the toughest footrace on earth’. Mds covers 251km across the Sahara Desert. Whilst in 2022 Jack is participating in a South Pole Expedition. We wish him the very best of luck with his next challenges.
There’s still time to support Jack
The Northampton Saints Foundation and the amazing fund raising work. Please donate if you can: