Loui undertook the challenge in memory of a close friend’s grandmother, who sadly passed away earlier this year from an aggressive brain tumour.

Having relocated to Manchester at the start of the year, to take up a new role in the corporate finance sector, Loui was determined to see the challenge through: “I was feeling nervous leading up to the challenge as I had injured my forearm 6 weeks before and it still hadn’t fully healed. This meant I didn’t train for the better part of a month leading up to the challenge day”.

The physical demands were relentless, with the final stretch proving the toughest.

“The most difficult part was by far the last hour. My hands were bleeding and so swollen, and my forearms were cramping at the top of every rep. I couldn’t bend my elbows at all in between sets as they would cramp up.”

Despite the pain, Loui never considered giving up: “As soon as I did the first rep, I knew I was going to do 2000. I didn’t think of quitting at any point.”

What kept him going was the thought of everyone who had supported him, as well as the encouragement of his friends who stayed with him throughout the day. “I’d say I was mainly motivated by not failing and having to tell everyone that supported me that I failed. I also had a group of close friends with me throughout the day that helped keep me company and make sure I was on top of my food and water.”

Looking back, Loui admitted the experience was as draining emotionally as it was physically: “I was just glad it was over to be honest. I was exhausted from being in pain for so long. As I was coming towards the end, I was feeling very emotional.”

Well done to Loui, he has not only honoured the memory of his friend’s loved one but also made a real difference in raising awareness and funds for an important cause. We are very proud of his achievement.