A 30-YEAR-OLD Barrow engineer who has spent 2016 taking on an epic physical challenge for every year of his life has successfully completed his final test.
READ THE PREVIOUS ARTICLE: Challenge 30 awaits Barrow adventurer celebrating his 30th with gruelling physical tests
Tom Quinn, of Gloucester Street, Barrow, cycled from John O' Groats to Land's End - a distance of more than 900 miles - last week, arriving in Cornwall on Saturday.
It brings to an end 11 months of unbelievable endurance tests which has seen him travel the country and complete marathon runs, long swims and coast to coast cycle rides.
The year-long quest all stemmed from a joke he shared with friends and colleagues as he wanted to do something memorable to mark turning 30 on April 8.
Mr Quinn, who works at NW Total Engineering Solutions, said: "I'm relieved it's all over but it kind of feels a bit surreal as well as the whole year has been concentrating on the next challenge.
"I could have gone to Las Vegas and celebrated like most people.
"But it's sort of addictive. You get yourself into a routine. Your body gets used to it.
"My family and girlfriend are proud of what I have been doing."
The start of challenge 30. JOGLE! @stmaryshospice @CR_UK @NWEMlive pic.twitter.com/j0Ix6DscdC
— Tom Quinn (@tjquinn1986) November 12, 2016
Mr Quinn's ventures have seen him complete the Manchester Marathon and the Coniston Triathlon and skydive at Cark Airfield.
Reflecting on the year, the fitness fanatic said: "I was getting home on a Sunday feeling tired and then going to work on the Monday.
"Everyone was surprised how I was able to walk."
Day 4 of JOGLE and it's great to be back in Cumbria! Check out the view! @stmaryshospice @NWEMlive @CR_UK pic.twitter.com/ZLYxurjHTV
— Tom Quinn (@tjquinn1986) November 15, 2016
Deciding on what has been the toughest challenge has been difficult but Mr Quinn said the 69-mile run from Carlisle to Newcastle in his 14th challenge, The Wall Rat Race, was particularly tough as it involved being on his feet for 20 hours.
Many will be glad to hear that the project engineer now plans to have a rest over the Christmas period and go on a holiday.
Mr Quinn has also been doing the 30 challenges for two charities very close to his - St Mary's Hospice and Cancer Research UK.
He has raised more than £2,500 and you can click here or here to make a donation.
30 challenges for turning 30
1. Hike to Everest Base Camp - January 3
2. Oulton Park Half Marathon - February 28
3. Coniston 14 - March 19
4. Brathay Belter Sportive bike ride - March 20
5. Kayak the length of Windermere and back again - April 2
6. Manchester Marathon - April 10
7. Cumbrian Way - April 29
8. London to Paris bike ride - May 13
9. Brathay Marathon - May 22
10. Via Ferrata Extreme at Honister Slate Mine - May 29
11. Yorkshire Three Peaks - June 4
12. Triathlon Coniston - June 11
13. Great North Swim - June 12
14. The Wall Rat Race - June 18
15. Total Warrior Leeds - June 25
16. Total Warrior Leeds - June 26
17. Barrow to Manchester bike ride - July 2
18. Man v Lakes Rat Race - July 9
19. Three Lakes Kayak Challenge- July 16
20. Three National Peaks Challenge - July 23
21. 'Quinny's Quadrathlon' - a swim, run, kayake and cycle at Windermere - July 30
22. Walney to Whitby bike ride - August 26
23. Way of the Roses bike ride – August 28
24. Man v Mountain Rat Race - September 3
25. Skydive - September 4
26. Coast to Coast Scotland Rat Race - September 10
27. Lake District 3000 - September 24
28. Kayak around Walney - October 15
29. Men's Health Survival of the Fittest Manchester Rat Race - October 29
30. John O'Groats to Lands' End bike ride - November 12 to November 19
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