This January, we (Andy Lean & Kieran Thomas) will be competing in the Manchester HYROX PRO Doubles — but with a twist. We’ll be doing the entire event wearing full firefighting gear.

For those who aren’t familiar, HYROX is a global fitness race that combines running with eight challenging functional workout stations — totalling 8 km of running and serious strength and endurance work in between. It’s already a tough test, but adding the weight and heat of full fire kit makes it a whole new kind of challenge.

As serving firefighters, we wanted to make this about more than just fitness. We’re using this event to raise funds for a cause that’s close to our hearts:

Isle Listen – a Manx charity dedicated to improving mental health across the Isle of Man through education, counselling, and awareness programmes.

Mental health affects us all, and Isle Listen’s work makes a real difference to people across our island — helping those who are struggling to get the support they need.

Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly towards helping Isle Listen continue their vital work.

We’ll be putting in the training hours to prepare for race day, and knowing people are behind us will keep us pushing through every run, row, and wall ball.

Thank you for your support — it truly means a lot to us, and to everyone Isle Listen helps. 🙏