By Peter Lindsey
A HEROIC father from Sussex has completed the epic Barcelona Ironman Challenge with his three brothers in memory of son Theo who died aged five.
And this is what motivated dad Richard Crunden:
“A doctor once told me my son’s body endures the equivalent of a marathon every day. If Theo could giggle and smile through it, we can face a challenge for one day—and maybe even have a laugh along the way..”
These moving words from Richard, who lives in Newick, Mid Sussex, reflect the extraordinary journey he undertook to honour his late son and to support Chailey Heritage Foundation, the charity that transformed Theo’s life.
Theo Crunden faced monumental challenges from the moment he was born. After a complicated cesarean section, he suffered catastrophic brain damage due to prolonged oxygen deprivation.
Twice resuscitated and cooled for 72 hours in a desperate effort to limit the damage, Theo survived pneumonia and began a difficult yet remarkable life.
At the age of four, Theo started attending the Chailey Heritage Foundation, a Sussex-based charity supporting children with severe disabilities. It was there that Theo experienced some of his happiest moments, surrounded by a team of compassionate professionals who brought out the best in him.
Sadly, Theo passed away unexpectedly in October 2017 aged five..
Determined to give back to the Foundation that meant so much to his son and family, Richard began his fundraising efforts by running the Brighton Marathon in 2020 with his sister, Debby. But he wanted to do more.
So Richard decided to take on one of the most grueling endurance challenges in the world: the Barcelona Ironman. He was joined by his three brothers—Ali, Tim, and Jon—in this epic endeavour.
The Ironman consists of:
- A 3.8 km sea swim
- A 180 km bike ride
- A full marathon (42.2 km)
All completed back-to-back in a single day.
“This was incredibly personal for me,” said Richard. “I wanted to commit to something as monumental as this in Theo’s memory. Ironman was the toughest challenge I’ve ever faced—it took a full year of training and required countless sacrifices from all of us.”
The journey was far from smooth. Richard recalls the intense emotions at the start of the race as he reflected on Theo’s life and the events leading to that day. “It was a unique and special experience,” he said, though not without its difficulties.
During the race, Richard fell off his bike and faced debilitating knee pain during the marathon. “The pain was immense, but I kept thinking of Theo. He got me through. In the final 500 metres, I sprinted to the finish line, thinking of our little man.”
Richard completed the Ironman in an impressive 12 hours and 45 minutes, though he admits he felt completely broken by the end.
Theo’s memory remains a source of strength and inspiration for Richard and his family. “Theo was truly special,” Richard shared. “He touched everyone he met. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in his honour.”
The family’s efforts raised £13,635—well beyond their initial goal of £10,000. The funds will support Chailey Heritage Foundation, ensuring other children with severe disabilities can experience the same joy and growth that Theo did.
“Chailey Heritage holds a special place in our hearts,” Richard said. “The exceptional staff there gave Theo some of his happiest moments. If our efforts can help even one child thrive as Theo did, it’s a step toward building a lasting legacy for him.”
Richard’s commitment to Chailey Heritage Foundation underscores the importance of their work. “I can’t speak highly enough of the people who supported Theo. They truly brought out the best in him. Looking back at photos and videos from his time there reminds us of how much it meant to him—and to us.”
As Richard reflects on this monumental journey, he hopes others will join in supporting the charity that brought so much joy to Theo’s life.
To donate and support Chailey Heritage Foundation, visit Richard Crunden is fundraising for Chailey Heritage Foundation
This is a story of resilience, love, and the extraordinary lengths one father went to in memory of his son. It’s a testament to the power of family, community, and the enduring legacy of a little boy named Theo.
