Former Royal Navy serviceman attempts to break deadlift record in 24 hours for charity challenge
A man is preparing for a deadlift challenge
One man’s strength will be put to the test as he endeavours to deadlift for 24 hours for charity.
Nick Stephens is aiming to become the first person in history to deadlift 1,000,000kg in 24 hours while raising money for NHS Charities Together after experiencing a health scare.
The 45-year-old personal trainer, from Gosport, will also be attempt to break the current record for the greatest total weight deadlifted in both 12 and 24 hours.
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The challenge has been inspired by Nick’s Crohn’s disease diagnosis which led to him being hospitalised for most of 2024 following serious complications.
The former Royal Navy serviceman credits the NHS with saving his life and through his One Million KG challenge, he hopes to raise awareness of the condition while fundraising.
Nick said: “The support we've received at Whiteley has been incredible and I'm so grateful to everyone who came along, donated and helped spread the word.
“The NHS saved my life. I spent much of 2024 in hospital and without the care I received I genuinely wouldn't be here today. I'll never be able to repay what they did for me, but if I can honour that by pushing the limits of human endurance while raising money for NHS Charities Together, then every lift will have been worth it.”
To support the campaign, Whiteley shopping centre welcomed Nick and award-winning fitness organisation GBHQ to the centre.
Visitors had the chance to meet the team, support the fundraising effort and even test their own strength by completing as many repetitions as possible with an 80kg barbell in one minute, helping build excitement ahead of the record attempt.
Jay Buckle, founder of GBHQ added: “Nick has represented GBHQ in the past and, after hearing his story, we knew we had to help. This challenge is about determination, resilience and giving something back, and we're incredibly grateful to Whiteley for helping us share Nick's story with the local community and support the fundraising campaign.”
Mia Gordon, centre director at Whiteley, continued: “We're proud to have supported Nick and GBHQ as they prepare for this remarkable challenge. It was fantastic to see so many visitors get behind such an inspiring cause, and every donation made at the centre will help support the incredible work of NHS Charities Together.”
The official challenge is set to take place in October of this year.