New Horizon CrossFit Raises £7,000 for Friends of Danesbury. At New Horizon CrossFit, we often talk about community — but every so often, something happens that truly defines what that word means.
In November, one of our own, Jane, the wife of long-standing member Ryan James, suffered a brain aneurysm. What followed was an incredibly challenging period for Ryan, Jane, and their family, including 11 weeks of care, ending with a five-week stay at Danesbury, a neurological rehabilitation centre in Welwyn Garden City that supports people recovering from brain injuries.
Danesbury played a crucial role in Jane’s recovery, and it didn’t take long for our community to decide we wanted to give something back — not just in words, but in action.
Supporting the only way we know how
Ryan is a huge part of New Horizon CrossFit. He’s someone everyone knows, someone who shows up for others, and someone who embodies exactly what this place stands for. Ryan and Jane were married last year, and many of us also know their dog Mac, who is very much part of the family too.
So when the idea of a fundraiser came up, it felt right to do it the New Horizon way — through hard work, shared effort, and a bit of suffering.
Ryan was joined by Joe, James, Tom, Hayden, Michael, and Chris to take on an ultra-marathon challenge inside the gym.
The challenge
The task was simple to explain, but tough to execute.
The team completed:
- 60km Row
- 60km Ski
- 60km Bike
- 60km Echo Bike
- 60km Shuttle Runs
That’s 300km total, shared between seven people, all completed in an incredible 4 hours and 6 minutes.
There were tired legs, burning lungs, and moments where the only thing keeping everyone moving was the people around them — exactly what this challenge was all about.
More than a fundraiser
This wasn’t about numbers on a screen or times on a leaderboard. It was about coming together as a community and supporting Ryan and Jane in the only way we know how — through movement, effort, and solidarity.
In doing so, New Horizon CrossFit raised £7,000 for Friends of Danesbury, a charity that supports vital neurological rehabilitation services and genuinely changes lives.
Our gym motto is “We’re One.”
This day was a perfect reflection of that.
Thank you
To everyone who donated, shared the fundraiser, supported the team, or cheered from the sidelines — thank you. This is what makes New Horizon CrossFit more than just a gym.
We’re incredibly proud of Ryan, Joe, James, Tom, Hayden, Michael, and Chris, proud of what we achieved together, and deeply grateful to Friends of Danesbury for the work they do.
We’re one — always. 💙💪
