Endurance athlete Danny Mcgrath is taking his passion for physical challenges to the next level by tackling an extreme winter trek in the French Alps next month.

His goal? To raise critical funds for Help for Heroes, a UK-based charity supporting veterans and their families.

Danny, 45, will participate in the Spartan Winter Trial race in Morzine, France, where he will face extreme temperatures and challenging mountain terrain to honour and support the sacrifices of the UK’s veterans.

The event, set in the rugged beauty of the Alps, involves a demanding race at elevations where temperatures often drop to minus 5C, posing both physical and mental challenges for participants.

“One of my biggest regrets was that I didn’t sign up,” said Danny, who will be joined by girlfriend Megan during the event.  “This event is a way for me to give back to those who’ve given so much for our country.

“Help for Heroes does incredible work supporting veterans, and if I can contribute by pushing my own limits, then it’s absolutely worth it.

"I am only putting myself at a discomfort to experience the hardship that many service personnel have endured in their careers.”

With a family history steeped in military service – his grandfather served in the Royal Air Force during World War Two, and his uncle and cousins in the British Army as well – Danny has long been inspired by the commitment and resilience of those who serve.

This personal connection fuels his dedication to Help for Heroes, an organisation close to his heart.

By raising funds through this challenging trek, Danny, a Gloucester-based installation specialist, aims to give back to those who often face ongoing physical and mental health challenges upon returning home. 

“I’m trying to follow in my uncle’s footsteps,” he said. “He was diagnosed with kidney disease Berger’s Disease when he was 30 years old. He had that when he was serving and didn’t know.

“When he came out, he still did endurance races and climbed Everest. I’ve since found out that I’ve got Berger’s Disease too, so he is the inspiration for me to push myself to go up the next level.”

Danny's training regime includes five days a week of CrossFit, weight training and intense cardio.

He also hikes the Black Mountains, taking on local summits like Pen y Fan and Yr Wyddfa to prepare for the cold and high-altitude conditions of the French Alps.

The conditions in Morzine will demand a careful balance of gear, with athletes needing to avoid both overheating and hypothermia in the sub-zero temperatures.

“The winter cold is going to be intense,” he says, “but knowing that my efforts will support such an important cause gives me the drive to train and push through.”

By participating in this event on Sunday 15^th December, Danny hopes to raise awareness for the continued need for veteran support and to generate donations that will directly aid those who served in the UK Armed Forces.

Supporters can contribute to Danny’s fundraiser for Help for Heroes by donating directly through his campaign page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/cx64p-alps-trek .