Four colleagues from King’s Norton Hospital, our acute mental health service in Birmingham, are taking on the HYROX fitness challenge this October at Birmingham’s NEC, all in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

For Emma, Chelsey, Tori, and Kate, the challenge has become about far more than physical fitness. It’s about giving back to a cause that has impacted their lives and being inspired by the lives of the patients they support every day.

“I surprise myself each week”: Emma’s Journey.

Ward Manager Emma began her fitness journey in January and has already lost 3.5 stone. “Each day at the gym, I focus on myself, regroup my thoughts and process any tension”, she said.

Taking part in HYROX is a big step outside of Emma’s comfort zone, but she’s embracing the challenge.

“We started looking into outdoor activities as a group at King’s Norton Hospital, and we soon realised we all shared a drive to push ourselves further. HYROX felt like a bold but great next step.”

“Every step matters”: Chelsey’s story

Occupational Therapist Assistant Chelsey has transformed her life both mentally and physically since the start of 2024.

“Running became my therapy,” she said. “At first, I couldn’t run a mile. But I stuck with it, and this July, I ran my first half-marathon.”

Now training six days a week, Chelsey is taking on HYROX while also running a 50K this month for SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society), and a half-marathon in November for MIND.

“This challenge is for those who don’t get the option to train for their battles – people living with cancer, families facing loss, and anyone struggling with their mental health. That’s why every step matters.”

“Inspired by our patients” – Tori’s perspective.

Tori, a psychologist at King’s Norton Hospital, explained that the patients she works with are her inspiration:

“They face painful emotions, difficult conversations, and big life changes with courage. Watching their resilience inspired me to make my own changes.”

Through her training, Tori says she’s become more compassionate, grounded, and grateful. “This experience has made me more insightful in both my personal life and professional practice.”

“Doing it for Grandad”: Kate’s story.

Kate, currently training to be a Health Psychologist, is driven by personal loss and professional pride.

“Macmillan supported my grandad through his final months, and I’ll never forget the comfort they gave him, and us.”

For Kate, exercise is about reconnecting with her own strength and celebrating the determination she sees in her patients.

“This challenge is a way of honouring my grandad, and giving back to the people who helped care for him.”

Training and giving back together

What began as a few conversations among colleagues about fitness and wellbeing has turned into a powerful team effort. Now, the King’s Norton Hospital team is training hard, supporting each other, and raising vital funds for three charities that mean the world to them.

The HYROX challenge is an indoor fitness competition that combines 8 kilometres of running and eight functional workout stations, alternating between running and functional exercises.

The team are also starting a running club and encouraging broader staff participation in fundraising events, from local charity races to lunch-break training sessions.

Please support the team and their fundraising efforts here.