Hospice supporter takes on Hyrox challenge in memory of his Coach

Ben Blowes, a father of two from Newmarket, wasn’t always into fitness. At school, he says it was never really his thing.

But when he first tried boxing in his twenties, everything changed. It was under the guidance of his inspirational Coach, John Humphries that Ben found his focus, purpose and passion for physical training. Ben shared:

“John was the turning point, He pushed me when I needed it, but more than that, he believed in me. He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.”

Years later, it was John again who tempted Ben back into fitness – but this time as a Coach. His words made a lasting impression. Ben now runs The Shark Tank, a Training Gym in Newmarket, helping others find the same direction he once found.

Ben is no stranger to a challenge. He’s well known locally for putting himself through some extreme endurance feats and has raised over £300,000 for local charities in the last 10 years, including holding the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon while carrying a household appliance, weighing 25kg!

Things came full circle when Ben’s old mentor became unwell. John was admitted to the Inpatient Unit at Arthur Rank Hospice in Cambridge, where he received specialist care before being able to return home to die, surrounded by his family. Ben remembered:

“John and his family were full of praise for the Hospice, they were so grateful for the care, and for the extra time they got together. That stuck with me.”

It was that visit and those memories that shaped Ben’s next challenge. In August, Ben will be taking on 31 Hyrox challenges in 31 days – one each day at 3pm, in support of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Hyrox is a demanding hybrid fitness test, combining rowing, skiing and functional strength movements. It’s not just one simulation, but a repeated push of endurance, strength and mental focus. For 31 days straight, Ben will complete a full Hyrox workout each day.

Thanks to the equipment at The Shark Tank, he’s inviting others to join in too – either solo or in a team of two. Different individuals will take part, each day, to keep Ben motivated and participants will receive an exclusive embroidered challenge patch, as a memento.

Ben is also welcoming local businesses to sponsor a day of the challenge. This is a great way for corporates to show their support while getting their name recognised in the community.

Earlier this month, Ben visited Arthur Rank Hospice, for a tour, to see for himself how the money raised will help future patients in Cambridgeshire who are supported living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end of life care. He even met the Charity’s mascot, Arthur Bear and gave him a quick demonstration of his strength. Sarah Clayton, Community Fundraiser at the Charity, commented:

“We can’t thank Ben enough for taking on this incredible challenge in support of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. It’s going to be tough but we are all right behind him. His fundraising will help make sure more local people get the expert care and support they need at the end of their lives. Knowing this challenge is inspired by someone close to him, makes it all the more special.”

For more information and to support Ben please visit his fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/page/ben-blowes-31

If you would like to get involved – as a participant, sponsor or supporter – please get in touch with Ben.

---

If you’re thinking of taking on your own personal challenge to raise money for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. Please visit arhc.org.uk/challenges or email challenges@arhc.org.uk