What does personalised greeting cards have to do with running Hyrox?
Absolutely nothing.
And yet - here I am. Founder of Hey Chimp Ltd, a business built around creativity and connection, suddenly waking up one morning realising I’ve got 90 days left to train for one of the toughest fitness events in the world: Hyrox Manchester 2026.
This wasn’t part of the business plan. It barely fits in the Google calendar.
But here’s how it happened.
Let’s rewind 4 months...
- I weighed nearly 100kg.
- I hated running.
- I was the kid at school who didn’t just get picked last in PE - I got ignored completely.
- I’ve had carpal tunnel surgery, a hernia op, and I manage anxiety without meds.
I couldn’t run to the end of the street without my knees threatening legal action.
So naturally, I signed up for a race that’s basically part bootcamp, part cardio nightmare, and part existential crisis.
Why?
Because I’m doing it for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Cancer never takes a day off.
So I figured I shouldn’t either - at least not until I cross that finish line in Manchester this January.
I’ve already paid to enter. I’ve kicked off the fundraising with my own donation.
Now I’m asking for support. Not for me - but for the people Macmillan helps every single day.
If you can spare anything, thank you. If not, no problem - maybe just send me a virtual high five. Or an ice pack.
So, what does this have to do with Hey Chimp?
Hey Chimp is all about making people feel something real. Whether it’s a laugh, a thank you, or a good cry from a card that hits just right.
This challenge is me doing something real, too.
Something hard.
Something that - if it helps even one person - is absolutely worth it.
Follow my journey on:
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Thanks for reading. Now back to juggling Hyrox training, business life, and trying not to fall apart during wall balls.
Neil
Founder, Hey Chimp Ltd
Amateur Hyrox sufferer
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