10 October 2025
Freddie’s Ironman for Southampton Hospitals Charity
When 23-year-old engineer Freddie from Winchester set himself the challenge of completing an Ironman, it wasn’t just about endurance or fitness. It was about recovery and giving back to the hospital that helped save his life.
In August 2024, Freddie’s life changed dramatically when he was involved in a serious motorway accident. While driving home from work in Leeds, his car was struck from behind by a lorry.
He woke on the side of the road with no idea where he was or how he got there. Freddie was then taken to University Hospital Southampton, where doctors discovered he had suffered a brain bleed and hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Freddie spent a week on the neuro ward, where staff worked to bring his sodium levels back into balance:
“I would like to give a massive thank you to the whole neuro ward, the care I received was absolutely brilliant, always going out of there way to make it the most comfortable experience it could be.”
The ultimate test
After several months of gradual recovery, Freddie felt ready for a new challenge:
I’ve always been drawn to challenging myself, and after being in a motor accident I wanted something meaningful to aim for as a sign of recovery. When I came across the Ironman, it felt like the ultimate test, pushing myself further than I ever have before.
Five months intensive training
Freddie began training just five months before the Ironman. Before that he had never really cycled or swum properly before. He got a bike, joined a pool and got started.
His hard work paid off:
“To be honest the whole thing was pretty unforgettable, the parts that stuck out most for me was realising what I was actually doing whilst cycling through fields in the Estonian countryside and finishing with a really strong 1 hour 38 min half marathon to get across the line.”
Shoutout to Freddie
Freddie describes his Ironman as the perfect opportunity to give back to the incredible team at University Hospital Southampton who supported him through a difficult time.
Through his efforts, he’s made a real difference – raising an impressive £1,298.
Congratulations on this incredible achievement, Freddie! A huge thank you for supporting Southampton Hospitals Charity and for making a difference to patients and families at University Hospital Southampton.
Inspired by Freddie’s story? Take on your own challenge or find another way to give back to your local hospital. Find out more here.