Brendan's story is a powerful reminder that with courage and perseverance, anything is possible.
The video below, filmed over 30 years ago, captures a moment from the early days of his inspiring journey.
Admitted to the hospital four times with Pneumonia.
The last few years have tested me more than I could’ve imagined.
I’ve been admitted to hospital four times with pneumonia, and my past triple bypass surgery added serious strain on my heart. Most recently, I was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease that now requires regular monitoring.
On top of that, I underwent hip replacement surgery.
But here’s the good news:
I’m back in the gym. Back training in mixed martial arts and strength and conditioning. Back to fighting form—mentally and physically.
My aim?
To face the future head-on. To live by the words that have guided me for years:
STRENGTH . HONOUR . RESPECT - The Lionheart Way.
brendan lees personal journey
underwent hip replacement surgery
had triple bypass surgery
Here's how you can support brendan and the Lionheart Fighting Fund:
As many of you may know, the Lionheart Fighting Fund was created nearly 15 years ago—not only to help young people achieve their goals and dreams, but also to support others less fortunate than ourselves. From aspiring athletes to local families in crisis, our mission is simple: give back, lift up, and lead by example.
I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished, and I want to personally thank each and every one of you who has supported the fund—especially our four amazing ambassadors:
Tim Wilde, Conah Walker, Jack Owen, and our newest addition, endurance athlete George James Gibson.
These young men are actively competing at the highest levels, yet still find the time and heart to support the fund that helped them along the way.
one mission, one year
Having turned 61 in February, Brendan Lees is committing himself to -
12 months of fundraising.
12 months of physical and mental challenges.
12 months dedicated to helping others.
He'll be setting personal goals and tackling challenges to prove that adversity can be overcome with a strong mind and body.
This is not just about Brendan. It’s about every person and family who needs a helping hand.
This year, our families will be working together to raise essential funds for a local charity close to our hearts:
THE WEST CHADSMOOR FAMILY CENTRE
Supporting families most in need with care, compassion, and vital services
To learn more about what they do and who they are, click below!
To our incredible NHS, thank you for saving my life—not once, but many times.
To my three wonderful children, thank you for your strength, patience, and endless love.
And to my wife, Leonie—you are everything.
You’ve cared for me when I was at my lowest. You stood by my bedside in ICU. You raised our beautiful daughter, Jessica, when I couldn’t be there.
You’re my training partner. My soulmate. My best friend.
I owe you everything.
- Brendan Lees
from my heart
thank you
join me on this journey
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Make a Donation – Every pound helps change a life.
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Share this post – Spread the word and help us reach more people.
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Join our challenges – Whether you're local or online, we’d love to have you involved.
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Become a partner or sponsor – Let’s do more, together
what is lion
heart fighting fund?
diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis
From diagnosis to determination