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On Saturday 21st June 2025, énergie Fitness Leighton Buzzard proudly teamed up with Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) for the charity’s annual Longest Day Challenge, an empowering event that coincided with the summer solstice and Armed Forces Day.

From 7am to 7pm, the club became a hive of motivation and community spirit as David Beer, WWTW’s Regional Manager for the East of England & London and a former Royal Navy serviceman, took on a 12-hour spin challenge in the spin room of the Leighton Buzzard gym.

This wasn’t Dave’s first great challenge - he’s previously completed a 12-hour and an 80-mile cross-trainer marathon, all in support of WWTW. Dave once again powered through, determined to make an impact for those who’ve served and sacrificed. Due to his amazing efforts, he managed to raise over £3,500 – a truly inspiring achievement that will go a long way in supporting veterans and their families through WWTW’s vital mental health, employment, and care coordination programmes.

Why It Matters

Walking With The Wounded delivers vital support for veterans and their families. Whether an individual has been mentally, physically, or socially wounded, the charity helps them get back on their feet through mental health services, employment support, and care coordination. Their mission is simple but powerful:

“Because those who served, deserve.”

The Longest Day Challenge

The Longest Day isn’t about who goes the furthest or lifts the heaviest, it’s about pushing yourself beyond your personal limits. Whether it’s smashing a PB, doing one more set, or going that extra mile, the challenge represents our own version of “the longest day” - something veterans face in many different ways.

Throughout June, members across énergie Fitness clubs were encouraged to take on a challenge in support of WWTW - on the treadmill, spin bike, rowing machine, or with a barbell in hand.

This year also marked WWTW’s 15th birthday, and those who raised:

• £100 received a WWTW T-shirt

• £250 earned an exclusive WWTW hoodie

The énergie Community in Action

At énergie Fitness Leighton Buzzard, the community spirit was undeniable. Members cycled alongside David, offered words of encouragement, donated generously, and shared the day on social media to boost awareness. The event was more than just a fundraiser — it was a celebration of strength, perseverance, and solidarity with those who’ve served.

It was a fantastic day and one where énergie’s founding mission of: “Empowering people to transform their lives” was witnessed through a like-minded organisation

Whether you were riding for five minutes or the full twelve hours, every contribution counted. It was a proud day for énergie Fitness, and a reminder of the real impact fitness communities can have - both inside and outside the gym.

To find out more or support the charity, visit walkingwiththewounded.org.uk.