Video: World record 24-hour rowing challenge by Leeds gym owner goes the distance

Phill Wright during his rowing challenge at Primal Gym. Picture by Tony Johnson.

A Leeds gym owner has rowed an incredible 213,202 metres in a 24-hour world record attempt.

The valiant efforts of Phill Wright, director of Primal Gym at Leeds Dock, saw the 36-year-old raise over £3,250 for Heart Research UK.

He was aiming to break South African Ryan Palmer’s indoor rowing machine record of 314,348m.

Phill was inspired by the passing of one of his closest friends due to a rare heart condition in 2010. He was just 35.

He also saw his father-in-law survive a heart attack after a quadruple bypass, while a Primal Gym colleague recently underwent open heart surgery and he has a number of relatives with heart conditions.

Following the challenge’s finale this morning, he said: “It sort of became a battle of getting through it and getting to the end, and I’ve done that.”

Around 73,000 people in the UK die every year from coronary heart disease – it is the UK’s biggest killer.

Leeds-based national charity Heart Research UK has been funding vital studies into treatment of heart conditions for nearly 50 years.

Jodie Thomson, corporate development lead for the charity, said: “Heart disease is still the UK’s biggest killer and Phill knows first-hand the effects it can have on you. We’re so grateful for his support.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/phills24hourrow.