World Record smashed as Fleckney raises £7k for Saints Foundation

A World Record crumbled at the hands of Jack Fleckney earlier this month, as the former Royal Marine raised an incredible £7,000 for Northampton Saints Foundation with a remarkable fitness challenge.

Fleckney – the founder of Wellingborough gym ‘ShireFit’ – began a monumental 24-hour SkiErg machine challenge at 8am on Saturday 6 June, aiming to surpass the existing record distance of 274,850 metres travelled before Sunday morning.

And he did it with time to spare, surpassing the record in 23hrs and 15mins and using the extra time to power on and notch up 283,131 metres in total.

Jack initially set out to raise £5,000, but the donations have been rolling in throughout the month to take his final tally over £2,000 above that target. The Roastery also donated 100% of sales from the ‘Marching In’ coffee blend over the weekend, which totalled a contribution of £300 towards Jack’s total.

“This was a fantastic event,” said Jack. “To everyone that supported me throughout and also to those that donated, I want to say a huge ‘thank you’.

“It was a little worrying during the first hour as I didn’t feel too good – luckily that quickly subsided and the hours started to tick by quickly.

It was not all smooth sailing for Jack, who suffered a muscular injury in his left arm which caused it to lock up, but he did not let that deter him and he completed the final four hours with one arm only.

Jack’s friends and family – as well as Foundation staff – were there with him throughout the challenge, and cheered him through the pain barrier during those brutal final four hours.

Catherine Deans, Managing Director of Northampton Saints Foundation, added: “Jack’s effort across 24 hours was immense to witness.

“The mental and physical strength required to complete a challenge of that nature, and to continue even whilst nursing a significant injury and ultimately to become a World Record holder, is phenomenal. 

“I am really proud that Jack chose Northampton Saints Foundation to support whist attempting his record, and his donation will help massively at this challenging time, through the pandemic.

“We continue to support some of Northampton's most vulnerable young people, maintain courses for 16+ students through distance learning, and prepare for summer holiday programmes and the next academic year. 

“Jack has pledged his continued support to Northampton Saints Foundation and we are really excited to see what his next challenge will be, and to develop our partnership into the future.  A huge thank you to everyone who sponsored and supported Jack and Northampton Saints Foundation.”