Kaytlon Mann, who is 28 years old, and her 77-year-old grandad, Robert Mann, recently took on the challenge of the toughest military obstacle course in the UK. The purpose behind their courageous act was to raise funds for Derian House, a children’s hospice that has been a source of support for their family. Despite not having any prior preparation, the duo joined 34 other brave individuals in the Ribble Valley for the Born Survivor event.
The course was filled with 30 challenging obstacles, including mud slides, fire pit jumps, barbed wire army crawls, and an enormous wall. What makes their story even more inspiring is the fact that Robert was the oldest participant at the event. Together with their team, which included Kaytlon’s two sisters, best friend, and cousin, they navigated through the course in just under three hours, successfully completing the challenge.
For Kaytlon, the motivation behind participating in Born Survivor was deeply personal. She tragically lost her baby son, James, at just 20 days old due to a life-limiting condition in November 2022. Seven months later, her partner Jamie also passed away. In memory of her loved ones, Kaytlon decided to take on the obstacle course and raise funds for Derian House, a cause that is close to her heart.
Reflecting on their experience, Kaytlon shared that while the obstacles were physically demanding, the mental challenge was equally significant. Despite the difficulties, they all had a great time and even found some enjoyment in the challenges. Grandad Robert, a retired carpet manufacturer, surprised himself with his abilities and determination throughout the course. Initially feeling intimidated by the younger participants, he pushed himself to conquer each obstacle, including the daunting waterboarding challenge.
Their efforts and dedication paid off as they raised an impressive £1,375 for Derian House through their participation in Born Survivor. The charity provides essential care and support to hundreds of children and young people with life-limiting conditions in the North West. Kaytlon expressed her gratitude towards Derian House for being there for her family during their difficult times and continuing to offer support.
In conclusion, the story of Kaytlon and Robert Mann conquering the UK’s toughest military course serves as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the willingness to give back to those in need. Their inspiring journey is a reminder that age and circumstances should never limit one’s ability to make a positive impact and support meaningful causes. If you wish to contribute to their fundraising efforts for Derian House, you can visit their JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/page/kaytlon-mann-1716203389799.
