Leeds man to flip tyres for 24 hours straight to raise money for Mind

Greg Saunders, 33, from Hunslet, is taking on the challenge to raise money for Mind.

He will go 24 hours without sleep flipping the tyre back and forth across a patch of concrete at the Knostrop Quay, by the River Aire.

The tyre weighs 165lbs (75kg) and he will aim to flip it a distance of around 15km. ⁣⁣

Greg said: "Lock down for me was a big change both with my own training and with clients.

"I was quick to find a spot near the canal to train, just near Knostrop Quay.

"I'd started getting some of the kit ready like gymnastics rings, big tires, and slamball and decided to dream up another challenge."

This isn't the first gruelling challenge Greg has put himself under.

In 2017, he and three friends walked the Yorkshire Three Peaks carrying a whopping 100lb (45kg) weight on his bag.

-> Leeds man's weighty charity challenge on the Yorkshire Three PeaksGreg said he likes to do things a little differently.

He said: "The last challenge I did was walking the three peaks carrying a hundred pounds on my back for charity.

"I like to do things that are a bit different and that's where the tyre flipping came about.

"I always want to do something better than the last time and to challenge myself because that means people will recognise and support it, which raises more money for charity.

"Obviously this will be physically demanding but with the sleep deprivation it will be a big mental challenge too."

Greg, who trains at the Leodis gym, chose to raise money for Mind because of the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on people's mental health.

He says the charity does "great work" to help people suffering with mental illness.

Greg said: "After lockdown, so many people now are too anxious to even leave their home, which is especially bad for people who live alone, like my dad.

"The whole situation has led to some people feeling depressed.

"Mind are a great charity and do a lot of important work."

To donate to Greg's fundraising campaign, visit his Just Giving page.

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Thank you

Laura Collins