John-Lee Lydon was working as a fitness coach when he suffered a stroke aged just 30 in July 2012.
The quick actions of his colleagues – who recognised the signs of a stroke – meant he was given vital medical attention swiftly.
Since then the dad has shown his thanks to the Stroke Association for the help it offered him and his family as he recovered by holding an annual fitness event at the gym.
The event is called the FAST Weekender in reference to the FAST test used to spot the warning signs of a stroke; Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999.
Now in its third year, the event aims to raise as much as possible for the Stroke Association and raise awareness of the stroke warning signs.
This year’s event kicked off on Friday, September 25 and will run until Saturday, September 26, with gym members in bubbles of six completing a two-hour circuit of assault bike, run, row and SkiErg, in a collective effort to reach 5 million metres.
Around 100 gym members, ranging from their late teens to 70s, are taking part at staggered times over the two days in accordance with Covid-19 safety guidelines.
Crossfit member Kaye Walsh described John-Lee as “inspiring” and hopes the effort will raise around £1,000 for the Stroke Association.
She said: “It was originally designed for teams of four people to complete four half marathons doing different exercises, but this year due to Covid-19 we have had to come up with this completely new way of doing it so that it is safe.
“Last year we has a lot of spectators, people supporting us and there will be none of that this year – but I think it makes it a bit more special because we are doing it without all of that and in the face of adversity with the pandemic.”
