We would like to dedicate this Fundraising Day to the memory of John Callum, a kind hearted, loving, generous husband, dad and grandad to Sarah and her family.

In May 2015 Sarah’s Grandad, John, suffered a brain haemorrhage. He was rushed to the Sunderland Royal Hospital for treatment where he was admitted to the Acute Stroke Unit (Ward E58). There he was treated and cared for by an amazing team of health care support workers, nurses, doctors and specialists.

In the weeks that John was on the ward, the staff went above and beyond to offer help and support to Sarah and her family. The staff allowed people to visit John as often as they liked, even providing them with tea, coffee and hot meals. Her mum and aunt were given a bed next to John’s, and his wife was brought up from another ward to be given the chance to spend precious time together.

Sadly, John passed away after two weeks on the ward, but the time he spent there was made as comfortable and as stress free as possible for everyone involved. It’s at times like those when the little things really do mean the most.

The beds that were provided to Sarah’s mum and aunt were given as a gift by a family whose relative had been critically ill on the ward for many weeks. They realised the importance of being able to stay with your loved one during the final hours of their lives.

As a result of this, we aim to raise as much money as possible to fund vital equipment and resources to allow the ward to continue supporting not only the patients they treat and care for, but the families and friends who also have to go through this difficult period.

On our Fundraising Day Saturday 20th May 2017 we will be aiming to complete all 135 Hero WODs that are 'For Time' on CrossFit.com in 12 hours!

A Hero WOD (Workout Of the Day) is given its title to commemorate a hero who has fallen in battle. These workouts are completed in their honour and are some of the most intense performed within the CrossFit community.

Members of our CrossFit box, CrossFit Jacana, and sister boxes CrossFit Gateshead, Telic, Darlington DL2 and Teesside will be looking to contribute to the completion of these workouts. Everyone from experienced athletes to new starters will be working to their max as individuals and teams of 2,3 and 4 to complete each workout. On average we will need to complete between 11-13 workouts per hour. Each individual or team will complete a different workout at any given time throughout the 12 hour period.