An amateur athlete has thanked the community for their support after he completed a "record-breaking" 24 triathlons in just seven days.

Physiotherapist Bartek Holda, who moved to Bury from Poland more than 30 years ago, carried out the challenge with the hopes of beating the Guinness World Record, which stands at 22 triathlons.  

He also undertook the gruelling attempt to raise awareness of a debilitating, lifelong skin disease which his 27-year-old daughter Dominika, lives with.

Bartek said: “My initial aim was to do 23 [triathlons] but I had 10 hours left and was feeling very motivated so decided to do one more to pay tribute to everyone who donated and got involved in this event.

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“It was by far the most difficult one in terms of effort, but I got so much joy and happiness from the support that it pushed me and ended up being one of the fastest triathlons that I did.”

He completed the challenge on Friday, October 4 at Castle Leisure Centre using the pool, treadmill and a bike, and is now going through the verification process with the Guinness Book of Records to confirm his incredible achievement.

The 50 year-old dad used the event to raise money and awareness of the disease Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) which impacts around one in 100 people.

Bartek wanted to mark Dominika’s birthday on September 30, sharing that “this physical challenge is nothing compared to the strength she has shown over the 14 years since her diagnosis".

He has so far collected almost £2,500 in less than two weeks through his GoFundMe page. 

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He added: “I could not have imagined how many people would support this. My name was out there but I could not have done this alone.

“My wife and children have been a constant support, and we are overwhelmed by the help and enthusiasm of the local community. I would have had no chance without them.

“I can do it physically but needed that energy from others to find the constant motivation, so all credit goes to them. It really was down to teamwork.”

There were more than 72 witnesses involved alongside support from businesses and organisations in the area.

“I want to give special thanks to Zilpha Lang and Paul Wilcox from the leisure centre,” Bartek continued.

“They could not do enough to help. Anna Ziemer from the University of Bolton, where I graduated from many years ago, was amazing and brought interested students to come along for a chat.

“Mark Noy from Leisure Lakes Bikes was on hand to offer support, and I’ve met so many amazing people.”

Debbie Young Browning, of Castle Leisure Centre, said: “There was a buzz around the centre for the seven days that Bartek undertook this mammoth challenge.

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"The children on the pool side during his swims cheered him along and told us they were going to discuss this back in school and write it in their books.

“We had members who cycled and ran alongside him during the week to try to keep pace for a short time. Castle Leisure Centre would like to say that Bartek was an absolute inspiration, and his energy and enthusiasm was outstanding.”

The challenge also resulted in Dominika being offered a new treatment from Christianos Laser Clinic in Bury, which Bartek says would never have happened without the attempt and hopes it will highlight even more treatment options for those living with HS.

He said: “I have done many triathlons in over 30 years such as Ironman and solo mountain journeys, but nothing compares with this one.

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“I knew I had to stick to the schedule, or it would all be for nothing. I had 10-minute breaks between each round [of swimming, cycling and walking] and the pressure was building.

“It’s a mental game. I knew I could push harder but kept pacing, so I didn’t overcook it and stuck to the schedule. It was mind over body to just keep going.

“I’m super happy with how it all went and with the outcome. Although I wouldn’t recommend for it everyone if they’re only taking one week of annual leave!”