News: Ribble Cycles Support Darren Hardy’s Challenge

Ribble Cycles are proud to support Darren Hardy, Veteran and Warrior Games double Gold Medallist, and his epic 10x10x10 challenge: 10 Ironman’s in 10 days in 10 different locations.

News: Ribble Cycles Support Darren Hardy’s Challenge

Ribble Cycles are proud to support Darren Hardy, Veteran and Warrior Games double Gold Medallist, and his epic 10x10x10 challenge: 10 Ironman’s in 10 days in 10 different locations.

For the 10x10x10, Darren will be swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and running 26.2 miles each day to raise funds for Help for Heroes. He has also set his sights on three World Firsts and a World record: 1: First injured war veteran to complete 10x10x10… 2: First Ironman in the London eye (minus swim) – & the World Record for the longest endurance event in the London Eye… and 3: First Deca (10-days-triathlon) in various locations in the UK.

“In just over a few days time, I will take on a challenge that hasn’t been done in the UK before. If successful, I will join an elite set of only 100 individuals in the world that has completed the Deca Day! 10 Ironmen distance triathlons in 10 days, in 10 locations throughout the UK – completing the last ones in the unique locations of the Shard and the London Eye.” Explains Darren.

“I have chosen this event because I have completed numerous ultra endurance events this year, and it is a way of self medicating for my PTSD and giving back. Without the support of Help for Heroes Hidden Wounds team I don’t believe I would be here now and while my challenges are an important part of my own recovery, they are also my way of giving back and making sure that other veterans going through the same thing as me will get the support that they need, now and in the future.”

“I also picked this event for the solo element of it. Being alone at speeds of up to 70kph on the Ribble Ultra Tri bike kicks in the adrenaline shots and makes it all the more interesting. This particular bike, gives me all those emotions that I miss from the military and my bobsleigh days. FAST. SMOOTH. ADRENDALINE.” concludes Darren.

Andy Smallwood, CEO, Ribble adds: “This is an incredible challenge by an extremely motivated and talented individual who is looking to inspire so many people. Darren will be using our Ultra Tri bike – itself is designed to compete in the most toughest of races at the highest level, so is in great hands and ready for the challenge. We wish him the very best and look forward to following his progress.”

Darren will begin his epic 10x10x10 challenge on Sunday 18th October and finish 10 days later on Tuesday 27th in the London Eye.

More Information visit – blog.ribblecycles.co.uk/darren-hardy-10x10x10/
To support Darren, you can donate at… justgiving.com/fundraising/darren-hardy7
View the video – instagram.com/tv/CGSpDcjhIax/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

About Darren Hardy
The 34-year-old former soldier served 15 years in the British Army. As an athlete he became a Physical Training Instructor which led to his selection for Officer training at Sandhurst. He subsequently took his troops all over the world, often in life threatening and extremely testing environments. Three years ago, his military career was brought to an end through suffering physical and mental injuries during the Iraq war. He has subsequently been diagnosed with PTSD and also has a permanent shoulder injury that impacts his physically on a day-to-day basis.

On the road to recovery Darren had to focus on becoming mentally resilient to match his physical strength and work on coping strategies for his PTSD. Sport and training became key for both his physical and mental wellbeing and in 2018 he was selected to represent Team UK in the Warrior Games and was a Gold Medallist and record breaker in the 100m and 200m sprint. He has gone on to undertake many extreme endurance challenges that push him physically and mentally. They are an important part of supporting his mental health as they create a focal point that help him to better manage his PTSD. Even while he is in the middle of one challenge he always has another big event in planning.

Darren already has two more events planned. One will be to do an Ironman triathlon alongside one of the UK’s most injured living veterans. Darren will be swimming while pulling him on a dinghy, they will cycle a hybrid bike together (Darren with pedals and the other veteran with hand bike operation) and Darren will run the marathon pushing the other veteran in a buggy. The other will be a duathlon (10k run, 150k bike, 30k run) on a treadmill and static bike at three times the height of Ben Nevis (12,000 ft) in London Altitude Centre.

Married and with two daughters, as well as doing extreme challenges, Darren is an inspirational speaker who is keen on helping others with mental health issues.

About Help for Heroes
Help for Heroes supports those with injuries and illnesses sustained during or attributable to their service in the British Armed Forces, and their families. No matter when someone served, Help for Heroes believes that those prepared to put their lives second, deserve a second chance at life. Every course and activity the charity offers aims to empower them to look beyond illness and injury, regain their purpose, reach their potential and have a positive impact on society. Only 3% of Help for Heroes income comes from the government, so the charity relies on the UK public to help raise the money needed to support wounded and injured veterans. For more information, visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk