A RECOVERING crash victim is looking to secure a world record by performing thousands of squats over a 24-hour period.
Rob Dipple who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), set himself the gruelling challenge to test his mental and physical strength.
The 40-year-old also aims to raise money for charity Help for Heroes which supports former soldiers with the same condition.
Rob developed PTSD after his car was hit by a heavy goods lorry nearly four years ago.
The crash saw the Aston Cantlow resident suffer severe whiplash, amnesia, nerve damage and back and neck injuries which he still suffers with today.
But the dad-of-four said the greatest challenge was overcoming his PTSD.
He told the Observer: “I had no idea the impact that this would have on mine and my family’s life. Aside from the physical pain, I was left with zero concentration and mood swings, I was prone to violent and aggressive outbursts, flashbacks, insomnia, depression, anxiety and was tortured by the visions I was having. I was suffering terrible night terrors, so not sleeping, but equally I was having these same visions while awake. They were terrifying. I would see horrific things unfolding that were all in my mind. Overcoming this and managing my triggers remains my greatest challenge.”
Rob, who is a self-employed project manager, said growing up he was plagued with ill health and fitness was not his forte.
But daily exercise and stretching has since become essential to his recovery.
He explained the task would be a test to his physical and mental strengths.
“I wanted a 24-hour challenge. Something that requires as much mental toughness as physical. I’ve never even considered myself good at squats. I guess taking a weakness and turning it into a strength is symbolic of my recovery, so quite fitting in a way.”
Rob’s training has been going well and he has managed to clock up 1,500 squats in one hour.
His aim is to more than double the unofficial record of 16,000 squats in 24-hours with the aim of achieving 35,000.
While Rob is not ex-forces he knew PTSD was common among those who have served.
He added: “Far too many forces and service personnel are affected by this condition and the impact on them and their families cannot be underestimated.”
Rob’s attempt will take place on November 29 from 8pm at the Training Shed in Wilmcote. The challenge is being live-streamed and can be viewed on Rob’s Instagram page by searching ‘Rob Dipple’.
Visit www.justgiving.com/Rob-Dipple to donate to Rob’s cause.
