Personal trainer Max Jarrett has landed himself a new world record after swinging a hefty kettlebell for a staggering 12 hours, helping to raise money for his chosen charity, Warrington-based Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide.
Max, aged 28 from Cheshire, who lost a close friend to suicide last year, completed more than 9,500 swings with a 24kg kettlebell, the equivalent of lifting more than 230,000kgs.
“I actually don’t remember much about swinging the kettlebell because after a while you just switch off. The pain is such that you don’t think about it, you just have to trust your body,” he said.
Max was surrounded by family and friends shouting encouragement during his challenge at Elite Fitness Cheshire, one of the local gyms where he works.
“After nine hours and twenty minutes we knew I had beaten the existing record of lifting 180,000kgs and I just kept on going until I’d clocked up 12 hours, comfortably setting a new world record,” he added.
Max has now raised more than £5,000 for Papyrus, which has its head office in Warrington, a charity which is close to his heart.
“As a personal trainer my focus is obviously on physical health but I know mental health is just as important, if not more so. After my friend took his own life I knew I had to do what I could to raise awareness of Papyrus and the lifesaving work they do.
“I genuinely believe in the cause, I feel better than I’ve ever done and I just want to carry on doing as much fundraising as I can,” said Max.
Max Jarrett with his supporters
His record-breaking achievement was made all the more remarkable because last year he struggled with a back injury, for which he needed rehabilitation.
Vicki Dutton, Fundraising Manager at Papyrus, said: “We’d like to say a huge thankyou to Max. What an amazing achievement!
“Money raised by his fundraising helps us to give hope to young people who are struggling with life.
“Generous donations help to pay for potentially lifesaving calls, texts and emails to our confidential HOPELINE247 service, which offers support and advice to young people and anyone who is worried about a young person who may be having thoughts of suicide.
“Funding also helps Papyrus to engage with local communities and volunteers in suicide prevention projects and supports the training we deliver to individuals and groups, equipping people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.
“We believe that many young suicides are preventable and together we can all help to keep our communities suicide-safe.”
For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice please contact HOPELINEUK247 on 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
