NI veteran sets himself gruelling challenge

Darren Hardy from Antrim, a 34-year-old former soldier who served for 15 years in the British Army, is aiming to complete 10 Ironman-distance triathlons in 10 different locations across 10 days.

For his ‘10 x 10 x 10’ challenge, Darren will be swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and running 26.2 miles each day at a variety of venues across the country, including prestigious military venues and ending in the heart of London on the iconic London Eye on Tuesday.

All of his efforts are to raise funds for a charity close to his heart, Help for Heroes.

Three years ago, Darren’s military career was brought to an end through suffering physical and mental injuries during the Iraq war.

He has subsequently been diagnosed with PTSD and also has a permanent shoulder injury that impacts his physically on a day to day basis.

He said: “Without the support of the Help for Heroes Hidden Wounds team for my PTSD I don’t believe I would be here now.

“While my challenges are an important part of my own recovery, they are also my way of giving back and making sure that other veterans going through the same thing as me will get the support that they need, now and in the future.”

On the road to recovery Darren had to focus on becoming mentally resilient to match his physical strength and work on coping strategies for his PTSD.

Sport and training became key for both his physical and mental wellbeing and in 2018 he was selected to represent Team UK in the Warrior Games and was a gold medallist and record breaker in the 100m and 200m sprint.

He has gone on to undertake many extreme endurance challenges that push him physically and mentally.

Next week he is hoping to become the first injured war veteran to complete 10 Ironman-distance triathlons in 10 locations in 10 days, the first Ironman in the London Eye and the first 10-day triathlon in numerous UK locations.

He is also in line to set a world record for the longest endurance event in the London Eye.

Darren said: “I hope that these extreme challenges can show other wounded veterans that there is life and true purpose after injury.

“Death will never threaten you once you find your purpose – and for me that’s why I push my body to extremes.”

Darren is married with two daughters and now lives in Fleet, Hampshire. He is an inspirational speaker who is keen on helping others with mental health issues.

• Support Darren at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/darren-hardy7