King’s Lynn 8:56 Foundation members’ gruelling challenge for good cause
The 8:56 Foundation, the West Norfolk-based men’s wellbeing organisation, will receive new funds to support its essential work following the upcoming completion of a mega triathlon challenge.
Kevin Cross is planning to undertake the Ironman UK feat in Bolton, comprising a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile cycle and then a marathon (26.2 miles) run.
In total Kevin will cover 140.6 miles, which is represented in the £1,406 fundraising target.
Ironman is widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world, and requires a long period of training for anyone brave enough to take it on.
As such, Kevin has been preparing for the gruelling physical challenge for the last few months, keeping supporters updated on JustGiving.
The fundraising challenge is a very personal challenge for Kevin, which he decided to take on following the passing of a former football teammate through suicide.
Following this Kevin has been determined to raise awareness of and support for Men’s Mental Health.
This story has parallels with the 8:56 Foundation, which was set up in memory of Lee Calton.
Lee was a huge football fan who would catch the 08:56 train out of Lynn station on a Saturday morning with his friends, before his death in April 2021.
The 8:56 Foundation provides social support for those experiencing mental health or associated issues through #ItsTimeToTalkand Men’s Time projects, talking therapy and #TimeToTalk campaign.
Lynn News readers can support Kevin by sponsoring him at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kevin-cross-ironman0207
More information, including helpline details of organisations for those requiring immediate assistance, can be found at www.856foundation.org.uk.
Money raised through Kevin’s challenge will go to these projects as well as an 8:56 programme targeting local grassroots sporting clubs and teams.