A director at a Workington construction firm has completed a gruelling 30-day physical challenge to support a suicide prevention charity.
Ricky Fee, of Stobbarts Ltd, has raised £630 for Andy’s Man Club.
There is growing concern over the rising number of deaths within the building trade. The industry has a suicide rate four times the national average.
The 44-year-old got up every morning before 5am to complete a different Cross Fit Hero Workout before work.
Ricky was joined for moral support by Rob Kirkbride, Stobbarts’ electrical director, who lost his father to suicide in December of last year.
Ricky said: “This is a big problem, especially within the construction industry: rates are sky high.
Working in the trade can be tough at times, and I am delighted to do what I can to support an organisation with the message It’s ok to talk.
“Andy’s Man Club campaigns to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.
“And given the worrying statistics, companies like ours have a duty to spread the word and do what we can to help.”
The first challenge – The Murph – was established in honour of Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who lost his life serving his country in Afghanistan in 2005 during Operation Red Wings.
It involves running a mile, then doing 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 bodyweight squats, and then running another mile while wearing a 20lb vest.
The men performed the challenges in Lake District Barbell in Cockermouth, choosing a different CrossFit challenge every day – and aiming to complete each one within an hour.
Ricky, who also coaches Workington Diamonds, a pan disability football team, is planning to do more fundraising for Andy’s Man Club in 2025.
