Meet the man taking on a 24-hour fundraising challenge in a Warwick park to thank NHS staff for efforts during pandemic

In 2019 Arian started became a Be Military Fit bootcamp instructor in St Nicholas park
Arian van Helden with his partner Laura and son Maximilian Zale. Photo suppliedArian van Helden with his partner Laura and son Maximilian Zale. Photo supplied
Arian van Helden with his partner Laura and son Maximilian Zale. Photo supplied

A man from Heathcote is taking on a 24-hour fundraising challenge in one of the town's parks to help raise money for a special thank you for NHS staff and their efforts during the pandemic.

Today (Saturday April 10) Arian van Helden is running the one-mile loop of St Nicholas Park for 24 hours to raise money for a 'thank you meal' for NHS members of his Be Military Fit (BMF) bootcamp group.

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Arian started in 2019 as a Be Military Fit bootcamp instructor in St Nicholas park and followed the journey from that position to 'park manager'.

He said: "All BMF communities in the UK have their own feel and members have a sense of belonging.

"It's much bigger than just those few hours of training in a week. Working hard and enduring and accomplishing things together year-round outdoors, grows stronger roots than many other fitness activities will do.

"Many people's lives changed, and we all had to adapt, but I believe that NHS workers have sacrificed as one of the most.

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"They had intense and relentless work schedules, working for 'someone' else, while running a significant bigger risk.

"When the circumstances allow, I would like the gift my NHS members a nice dinner to reflect on the past year with like-minded people.

"To reinforce this and to focus attention on it I am going to run the one-mile loop of St Nicholas Park as many times as possible in 24 hours.

"This is both a physical and mental challenge. I hope to draw strength from the fact that NHS members had a very physically and mentally demanding year as well.

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"The minimal goal was to fundraise £1,250 and for this I've set up a JustGiving page.

"The generosity of people has made this happen.

"For this, I'd like to thank them once more! It's still possible to further support this, to provide them with an evening to remember and to let them know that we will not forget their efforts.

"Please donate any amount great or small to make them feel appreciated."

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