Haslingden pair in massive endurance challenge (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Haslingden pair in massive endurance challenge

3:23pm Monday 30th July 2012 in News

TWO former Haslingden High School students are putting their bodies to the test by completing an endurance event every month this year.

Pals Ben Zebrowski and Matthew Clayton are just over halfway through their Challenge 2012 schedule having completed July’s task of trekking around the 47-mile Pendle Way in a day.

They are raising money for the Brain and Spine Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Ben, 26, from Haslingden, was inspired to complete the events in memory of his friend Simon Gough, who died during a supposedly routine spinal operation.

He said both he and 27-year-old Matt, from Helmshore, had caught the fitness bug after training for the pursuits.

University of Central Lancashire graduate Ben, who works for Lancashire County Council, said: “It’s a fine balancing act training for all the different types of event. We’re both quite fit guys anyway but to go from running to swimming to cycling is a real test.

“We’re still working full-time as well and playing football for Helmshore Harriers so there’s not much time to rest.

“The toughest one so far has been Pendle Way, one of our friends pulled up about five miles short with an injury.”

The duo’s next challenge is a 14-mile race against a train in Wales before they tackle the Haslingden to Hardraw bike ride, which totals 110 miles.

To add a competitive edge, the pair have set up a fines system where the more successful competitor in each event is owed money by the loser.

The lads have also set up a blog to document their year.

Highlights have included completing the Great Manchester Run alongside legendary distance-running champion Haile Gebrselassie.

In true Olympic spirit, they hope to raise £2012 for their chosen causes. Donations can be made at http://www.

justgiving.com/ teams/ challenge2012.

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