On Sunday 29 November, staff from Warwickshire County Cricket Club (Warwickshire CCC) took part in a gruelling Iron Man challenge in aid of Fisher House at the David Lloyd Cranmore Club in Solihull, which included a 2.4-mile (183-length) swim, a 112-mile static bike ride and a 26.2 mile run on the treadmills. Claire Hopkins, Head of Security and Concierge at the club, bravely decided to swim a length on camera – even though she can’t swim! 

The athletes were joined by two ‘Birmingham bears’ not usually spotted in a gym setting – Carmen, the mascot of Warwickshire CCC, and Mr Bear from QEHB Charity. Inside the costumes were Mike Hammond, Chief Executive of QEHB Charity, and Julie Cowley from Warwickshire CCC, who each completed the marathon bike ride still dressed as the furry friends.

Over £800 was raised in total from sponsors and gym-goers, both online and at the event. The money will go towards the running costs of Fisher House, QEHB Charity’s ‘home away from home’ for military patients and their families.

Mike Hammond said: “Warwickshire CCC has been an outstanding supporter of Fisher House UK since the facility was opened in 2013, with one of the family rooms here named as the Edgbaston Room in honour of the Club’s support. This latest challenge and donation is once again testament to their generosity.”

Julie Cowley, who lead the Club staff undertaking the challenge, said:  “As a Club we set ourselves a target of raising £10,000 each year, which will fund the Edgbaston Room for the entire year. It’s a charity that is very close to our hearts and we our very grateful to all Members and supporters that have donated generously to this great cause.”

The Club was shortlisted for Queen Elizabeth Hospitality Birmingham (QEHB) Charity Supporter of the Year following its Community Open Day at Edgbaston, in May, and fundraising of £10,000 to help Fisher House UK to provide free accommodation to the families of military patients who are being cared for at the hospital.

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