UK Armed Forces strongman personnel smash one million kilo deadlift challenge

A team of 15 serving UK Armed Forces personnel have succeeded in deadlifting a combined one million kilograms over 24 hours, raising money for veterans charity Walking With The Wounded.

The effort has raised just over £10,000 to support UK veterans and their families through employment, mental health and wraparound care programmes.

Team member Luke Heppenstall said both the challenge and the charity are about "resilience, support and perseverance".

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He said: "We chose the deadlift challenge because it represents far more than physical strength.

"Anyone who has pushed themselves to their limit knows that there comes a point where it stops being about strength and becomes a test of mindset, determination, and the will to keep going.

"Just as importantly, it's about having the right people around you to encourage and support you when things get tough."

The challenge finished during the Giants Live Strongman Open and World Deadlift Championships 2026 at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.