‘Racing as Wolverine gives me a purpose’ 

John Steventon is our very own supporter superhero. He completed a HYROX in December dressed as comic book character Wolverine, alongside a friend who dressed as Deadpool – and he isn’t stopping there.

HYROX is an indoor fitness race enhanced by workout stations along the route, so competitors run 1km, then do a workout – 8 times! The workouts include rowing, pulling and pushing a sled, and lunges while carrying a sandbag, making it an exhausting but fun challenge.

John said: “Everything I’ve done in life, I’ve wanted to share with others. As a DJ, I taught aspiring musicians and even wrote DJing for Dummies. In my TV career, I mentor new editors. When I was racing in indoor rowing, I launched the RowAlong YouTube channel to help home rowers stay motivated. So, when I started competing in HYROX, I wondered how I could use this platform to make a difference. “

“I knew I’d never be a podium finisher, but after my skin cancer diagnosis, I found a purpose: racing as Wolverine to raise money for World Cancer Research Fund. The response from the HYROX community has been incredible – not just in donations, but in the conversations I’ve had. Nearly everyone I meet has been touched by cancer in some way, whether personally or through friends and family.”

‘I thought I was invincible’

“Even though the doctor said, “Don’t worry”, when I heard the words “That’s skin cancer” the last hope that I was indestructible fizzled away. I’d always thought I was invincible – after all, I like to dress up as Wolverine – but skin cancer reminded me that none of us are.”

John’s diagnosis helped him become more aware of the importance of cancer prevention. “I remember being 7 years old, resisting my Mum’s attempts to put sun cream on me. I often opted for the lowest SPF possible, thinking sunburn was just a fast track to a tan. Coming from Scotland, where sunshine is a rarity, I’ve always craved the sun’s warmth. But now, I never go without factor 30 or 50. If only I had learned that lesson earlier.

“The guidance from the World Cancer Research Fund has been invaluable in helping me understand the importance of proper nutrition and lifestyle choices in cancer prevention and overall health. Exercise alone isn’t enough – we need to fuel ourselves properly and protect ourselves from preventable risks like excessive sun exposure.”

John continues to take on HYROX challenges to raise money for us. He’s completed 3, including one in Frankfurt, and is running The Grid competition again in September, as well as more HYROX events this year. So far, he’s raised nearly £2,000 towards cancer prevention – thank you, John!