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Security guard Paul Harrop Jr ready to take on county’s truck pull championship to fundraise after staff at Lincoln County Hospital saved his father’s life.




A security guard is gearing up to take on a mammoth fundraising challenge in aid of the hospital that saved his dad’s life.

Paul Harrop Jr signed up for the Lincolnshire Truck Pull Championships on July 20, which is one of the world’s strongest man events, where he will use his own strength to haul a HGV.

His father, Paul Harrop Sr, suffered a heart attack a couple of years ago at the age of 60 and had to have a stent fitted during a lifesaving procedure at the Lincolnshire Heart Centre, and stayed at Johnson Ward and Cardiac Short Stay unit.

Paul has taken part in similar events before
Paul has taken part in similar events before

“They saved his life and he is still having regular check-ups with the team,” said Paul Jr.

“They were wonderful and thanks to them I still have my dad - I will never be able to thank them enough.”

When he is not working as a security supervisor at Lincoln County Hospital, he uses his spare time to train and prepare to take part in these sorts of events which he describes as “mind over matter”.

Paul was inspired by his personal trainer Dave Johnson, who happens to be one of the organisers.

“He has been doing this for many years and gave me the belief that I could also do it,” the security guard added.

The challenge will take place at Flying Hire in North Scarle on a flat surface with its own weighbridge.

Paul Harrop Sr with son Paul Harrop Jr
Paul Harrop Sr with son Paul Harrop Jr

It is an open event with no weight categories and three separate tests of strength including a traditional harness truck pull, arm over arm pull and truck drag.

Organiser Dave first started fundraising when his friend Mark Browne was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

He wanted to raise enough money for Mark to be able to make memories with his family before he passed away and since then, has continued with the events in Mark’s memory.

“This is the 13th year we have held an event and it is bigger and better than ever with 20 women and 30 men taking part,” Dave said.

“The biggest truck we will be pulling is 45 tonnes – that is the same as the average weight of six-and-a-half adult African elephants.

“I am really proud that these events enable friends like Paul to be able to fundraise and support other really great causes.”

Donations to Paul’s cause can be made here.

Is this something you would try? Let us know in the comments.



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