If you think you have had a busy year, chances are you have not been as busy – or certainly not as active – as Mike Needham.
The Jones Lang LaSalle surveyor is at the tail end of an astonishing quest to complete one major endurance event each month for a year. The 27-year-old recently marked his eighth event by swimming the distance of the English Channel (48km) in a pool. In September, he clocked 15 hours and 24 minutes at Ironman Wales, which included a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and a marathon.
His determination has consolidated Needham’s reputation among his peers as a man of steel. But he still has three challenges to go, including an attempt to break the world record for the fastest 1m-metre row on an indoor machine.
Needham’s tenacious effort is raising money for the Meningitis Research Foundation. At 18-months old, he contracted the HiB strain of the disease, which left him deaf in both ears.
He said: “I haven’t had to search far for inspiration – the Olympics and the Paralympics have motivated me to push harder.” He has raised more than £10,000 so far, but he is aiming for £30,000.
To donate money and find out more, go to www.one-big-year.org
