A builder from Ottery is preparing to take on a gruelling challenge in aid of the town’s world famous Tar Barrel tradition.
Lee Strawbridge, who has carried the flaming barrels (known as rolling) on November 5 for more than 30 years, will be putting his back into raising much-needed funds for the spectacle to continue.
On Saturday, October 2, Lee will be walking up Chineway Hill and putting a Strongman twist on the annual Ottery Hill Climb route which is also used by the Tour of Britain cycling event.
He is looking to complete the 1.6 mile stretch, which has a maximum gradient of 24 per cent, while carrying a number of implements, including a barrel, atlas stone, husafel, yoke, frame and will even be pulling a vehicle.
Lee, 41, said: “As a result of the pandemic, we were unable to hold Ottery's Strongman Competition in 2020 or 2021 (running annually for the last five years), and the Tar Barrel committee have had no opportunities to raise funds through community events, so I'm hoping to fill some of the funding gap by taking on an individual challenge.”
Lee lives in Ottery with his wife Dee and children Baden, 11, and Adalyn, 7. He works as a self-employed builder at Strawbridge Building Contractors and has been actively competing in Strongman competitions for nine years, once managing to reach the finals of England's Strongest Man U90kg in 2017.
But an accident in 2014 nearly put an end to Lee’s Strongman passion for good. “It was my own stupidity”, he said. “Me and a friend fell off a zip line we shouldn't have been on. He landed on me and I broke 19 bones, six vertebrae, 12 ribs, my collar bone and I punctured a lung.”
Apart from a metal plate in his collar bone, Lee made a full recovery and went on to win a Strongman competition nine months later.
“I like to take on different challenges and after breaking my back and neck I'll keep going to make my family proud and hopefully set a good example to follow for my kids.”
Lee added: “The barrels need continuous community support and I'm very lucky to be part of a dedicated committee who work hard every year to ensure this amazing event happens. I don't think there is anything I wouldn't do to raise money for Tar Barrels and I'm happy to help where I can. If you happen to be in the area and see me, please pass by safely and share your support by donating if you can.”
Lee has so far managed to raise around £500. To help support his challenge go to: https://gofund.me/f4da23ff
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