World record: How one firefighter pushed through 8,501 burpees in a single day
Iain Hoey
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Firefighter sets new burpee world record in West Yorkshire
The Fire Fighters Charity has reported that a West Yorkshire firefighter has broken the world record for the most chest-to-floor burpees completed in 24 hours.
According to the charity, Nicola Leah of Illingworth Red Watch achieved 8,501 burpees during her attempt at The Graft Gym in Sowerby Bridge on 16 August 2025.
The previous record stood at 8,321, meaning Leah surpassed it by 180 repetitions.
Supporters gathered at the venue to encourage her throughout the challenge, the charity said.
Funds raised from the attempt will support The Fire Fighters Charity’s services for the fire community.
Record surpassed after day-long challenge
The Fire Fighters Charity reported that Leah adopted a strategy of pacing her efforts in six-hour intervals, treating each stage as a task to complete.
Leah explained that this approach helped her maintain consistency across the full 24 hours.
She said: “I was really pleased with how it went throughout.
“I had a 6-hourly strategy, to pace myself, it was like a to-do list!
“And that really worked well for me.”
Inspired by previous record-holder
Leah said she had been encouraged by the achievement of the former record-holder, Ellie Horrocks.
She explained that taking on a difficult challenge appealed to her, and that Horrocks’ performance served as a motivating example.
Leah said: “I wanted a really difficult challenge, to push myself, and I was inspired by the current record-holder, Ellie Horrocks – her achievement was phenomenal, and I’m proud to follow in her footsteps.”
Motivation linked to fire service connection
The Fire Fighters Charity reported that Leah’s fundraising was driven by her professional and personal ties to the organisation.
She said she has colleagues who have used the charity’s services and that it provides reassurance for her and her family.
Leah said: “I’ve got the connection to Fire Fighters Charity through work, and they’re always there for us.
“I know people who’ve used the facilities, they’re amazing, and we’ve done fundraisers before.
“It’s there for me, but it’s also there for my children and husband – should we ever need it.
“It’s the charity that’s always forefront of my mind.”
Charity response to fundraiser
The Fire Fighters Charity said it was grateful for Leah’s efforts.
Alex Byers, Regional Fundraiser at The Fire Fighters Charity, said: “We’re so grateful to Nicola for taking on such an incredible challenge in aid of us.
“It’s inspiring supporters just like Nicola who help us to continue offering our life-changing care and support to our fire services community – those who, every day, go above and beyond to keep us and our communities safe.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The achievement highlights the personal commitment of firefighters to charitable causes that directly support their community.
It shows how fundraising activities contribute to the continuation of welfare and rehabilitation services for personnel and their families.
It also reflects the close link between operational roles in the fire service and external support structures that provide long-term care.
Such activities strengthen community engagement while raising awareness of services available to fire and rescue staff.
Firefighter sets new burpee world record in West Yorkshire: Summary
The Fire Fighters Charity has reported that firefighter Nicola Leah set a new world record for chest-to-floor burpees in 24 hours.
She completed 8,501 burpees at The Graft Gym in Sowerby Bridge, surpassing the previous record of 8,321.
Leah serves with Illingworth Red Watch in West Yorkshire.
She followed a six-hour pacing strategy to manage her progress.
Her inspiration came from the former record-holder, Ellie Horrocks.
Leah said the charity’s work for firefighters and their families motivated her effort.
She raised funds for The Fire Fighters Charity during the record attempt.
The organisation said it was grateful for her support.
Regional Fundraiser Alex Byers said Leah’s actions will help sustain the charity’s care and services.
The Fire Fighters Charity provides welfare and rehabilitation support to members of the fire service community.
