COACH NAT’S 24-HOUR FITNESS CHALLENGE: A COMMUNITY THAT CAME TOGETHER FOR SARCOMA UK

This September Coach Nat, Leo Gym and the Marlow community came together for something truly extraordinary, a 24-hour non-stop fitness challenge in support of Sarcoma UK, raising an incredible £8,784.36.

The challenge was deeply personal, inspired by Nat’s brother Tom, who was diagnosed with sarcoma last year. His courage and resilience drove Nat to rally the community for an unforgettable event filled with movement, music, laughter, and purpose.

From 5pm Friday to 5pm Saturday, every hour offered something new, from high intensity workouts and yoga to boxing, walks around Marlow, and even our hero WOD in memory of Phil. It wasn’t just about fitness; it was about standing together and making a difference.

A massive congratulations to Nat for organising an epic 24-hour challenge. The time spent pulling together the sessions, reaching out to local businesses, coordinating raffle logistics and handling every detail of the event is an incredible achievement.

The challenge was part of the global Find Your Fit Challenge, which together raised an incredible £26,525 for 12 charities. Locations from London, Plymouth, Beaconsfield, Harrogate, Poland, Germany, Cheshire, and beyond all took part, with participants lifting, cheering, and joining via Zoom. The challenge featured world record-breaking efforts on the Kettlebells and Ski Erg, a variety of fitness classes, live DJs, and market stalls, all uniting communities around causes like SarcomaUK and the Mental Health Foundation.

If you’d still like to donate, you can do so here: JustGiving Page.

There is also a full photo gallery at the end to see all the action.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 24 HOURS

A heart-warming surprise came right at the start when Nat’s brother Tom appeared, setting the tone for a meaningful 24 hours. The support was incredible from start to finish, with the gym particularly buzzing with energy during both the opening and closing sessions.

Variety was key, and no two hours were the same, keeping the atmosphere exciting and spirits high throughout the challenge. Highlights included yoga in the brand-new Flow Studio where we had an exclusive first look before its official opening, Sarah’s birthday party celebrated in true Leo style, and DJ sets with Simon James, Amy Joseph, and Nevile keeping the atmosphere alive. The rowing workshop with Olympian and World Champion rowers Heidi Long and Maddie Arlett also brought inspiration and elite energy into the mix.

Special touches made the event unique from Jules’ chair massages (followed by his live guitar playing) to face painting by Sarah, family rounders, and even a BMW people could draw on, there was something for everyone.

Live performances from members Jules, Mags and Steve wowed the crowd, showcasing the amazing talents within the Leo Gym community.

A few words from Nat:

“A massive thank you to everyone for their support. The donations will help another person to get the support they need. It was amazing to see so many people down during the challenge getting involved and cheering people on. I feel very grateful to have such a supportive community by my side to make the event truly unforgettable."

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT 

The event wasn’t just about endurance, it was about people.

·      23 people completed the entire 24 hours.

·      Over 80 people joined at least one session.

·      Families came down in numbers, with children jumping in on the action.

·      There was at least 30 people per session, ensuring constant energy and encouragement.

WHO MADE IT HAPPEN

A huge thank you to everyone who gave their time and delivered such fantastic sessions. Here’s a special shoutout to the following:

·      Rowing workshop with Heidi Long & Maddie Arlett

·      Pilates with Emma Peters

·      Boxing with Nancy Dean

·     Barbells with Mark McGirr

·      Sarah’s Birthday Workout with Sarah Mills

·      1000 Burpees for Time with Neil Kitchin-Wilson

·      Midnight Yoga Flow with Fizz

·      Yoga Flow with Kim Beech

·      Double Murph Challenge and Zuu Workout with Paul Baber

·      Stretch and Mobilise with Georgie Donk

BEHIND THE SCENES

·     Amelie volunteered tirelessly in the café.

·     Nisha baked mountains of cupcakes to keep everyone fuelled.

LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT

We’re so grateful to the businesses that stood alongside us:

·     Marlow Costa, M Café, The Mixing Jug and Cindy's house for providing vital refuel stations.

·     Lush Marlow providing their delicious pizzas.

·     Boutique Events in Style for their amazing Balloon Arch.

·     BMW High Wycombe for donating the car to draw on and providing several cars to chauffeur participants back to the gym.

Raffle Prizes & Donors

Our raffle was bursting with generosity, thanks to local businesses and community members. Here’s a shoutout to everyone who contributed:

·       3-night stays in Sicily, Malta, or Poole

·       Everyman Cinema – 1 Year Membership

·       Danesfield House – £100 Gift Voucher

·       Mint Velvet – Handbags

·       Nutsa – Merrell & Saucony Trainers

·       Urban Escape – Massage

·       Happy Heart – Glow Facial

·      Kate Mills – Luxury Treatment

·       Cedars Marlow – Lunch for 2

·       Vintage Slipper – Picnic for 4

·       Isabela Santana – Childcare

·       Julian Emery – Songwriting/Guitar Session

·       Mags Melodie’s – Singing Lesson

·       M Café – Pizza & Drinks for 4

·       George & Dragon – £50 Voucher

·       Da Luca – £50 Voucher

·       Angel & Rocket – £50 Voucher

·       Millars Eatery – £50 Breakfast Voucher

·       La Dolce Bolla – £40 Voucher

·       Hewetts – £25 Voucher

·       Twenty Three Living – Essential Oil Giftsets

·       Kester Wilkinson – Kinetica Products & Amazfit Watch

·       Tropic Skincare – Goodie Bags (Claire Ryder)

·       Teapigs – Hamper

·       Dianne’s Chutney Bundles

·       Harringtons Marlow – Cut & Blowdry

·       Charlotte Millar Wash & Blowdry

·       Accademia Wash & Blowdry

·       Spin Master – Children’s Toys

·       Baby toiletries & skincare boxes – Emma Millar

·       Marlow Gin

·       Rebellion Brewery – Gift Box

·       Cindy’s Brownies

Coach Nat’s 24-hour fitness challenge wasn’t just an event, it was a celebration of community, resilience, and the power of coming together for something bigger than ourselves.

The energy, laughter, and support made it unforgettable, and the funds raised will go a long way in supporting Sarcoma UK’s vital work.