When Kennie Walters set himself a challenge to lift 100,000kg and move 100km in just 24 hours, it probably sounded a little bit mad to most people.
The Westmade estimator based in Verwood, Dorset took on a gruelling solo endurance challenge in his workplace gym, determined to raise money and awareness for the Lighthouse Charity. Not only did he complete the challenge, he smashed it in an incredible 11 hours and 38 minutes, lifting a staggering 100,370kg and clocking up 100km of movement, including a 10km run, 10km row and 80km bike ride.
The mammoth effort raised around £530 and just as importantly, it raised awareness of the challenges of working within the industry and highlighting the support available,
For Kennie, the challenge wasn’t simply about testing his physical limits. The weights represented something much deeper.
“Mental tolerance is highly disregarded, especially within the construction industry where there is still a certain stigma around mental health,” said Kennie. “I wanted to show that I was willing to mentally break myself down in order to raise money for those struggling.”
The huge volume of weight lifted during the challenge symbolised the emotional weight that so many people in construction carry every day. By pushing himself to the limit, Kennie hoped to spark conversations around mental health and encourage others to seek support when they need it.
Kennie’s determination is even more inspiring when you hear his story.
Working as an estimator for Westmade, he spends much of his time pricing residential projects and responsive maintenance works, as well as providing cost estimates for schools and other public buildings. But just over a year ago, life looked very different.
“I used to be very overweight, which really took a toll on my mental health overall,” he explained.
After Westmade invested in a gym at their offices, Kennie committed to using it every day. The results have been life changing, helping him lose an incredible 33kg while improving both his physical and mental wellbeing.
He is quick to acknowledge the role his employer played in supporting his transformation.
“Westmade put in the gym downstairs, invested a lot of time and money into it and they helped me achieve my goal of losing weight and being more positive about myself. So I must sing Westmade’s praises in allowing me to do this and thank all my colleagues for the support they gave me during my challenge.”
Hayley Brooks, Business Development and Head of Department for Marketing at Westmade, praised both Kennie’s dedication and the importance of supporting construction workers’ wellbeing.
“As a building contractor, we know first-hand how important it is to look after the people within our industry. The Lighthouse Charity provides vital support to construction workers and their families when they need it most.
Supporting Kennie on his fitness challenge was a great way for us to raise money and awareness for such an important cause. We’re proud to support Lighthouse and the incredible work they do for our industry, and I hope Kennie’s contribution can help make a real difference to people and families facing difficult times.”
Kennie’s challenge really shows what one determined individual can achieve. Armed with little more than a gym, a massive amount of grit and a willingness to push through the pain barrier, he turned personal adversity into something positive and gave back to his community. Thanks you Kennie!
Inspired by Kennie’s achievement? Find out how you can support us or take on your own fundraising challenge and help us make a difference to our construction community:
