Driffield Business Announces Support for Local Athlete

Ever think about what it takes to break a world record? Not just one, but three, all in the same year. It sounds like something out of a film, but it's happening right here in Yorkshire. A local business from Driffield is stepping up to support a phenomenal local athlete on his incredible journey. This is a proper story of community, determination, and a whole lot of chicken. The company, Soanes Poultry, is backing Angus Leckonby, a record-breaking athlete from Octon, by making sure he has the fuel he needs to power through his intense training schedule. This isn't just a simple sponsorship; it's a local business getting behind a local hero as he prepares to take on the world.

A partnership born in Yorkshire

It’s always brilliant to see a local business giving back to its community, and this partnership is a perfect example. Soanes Poultry, a family-owned company based in Middleton on the Wolds, has been part of the Yorkshire landscape since 1947. They’re known for supplying high-quality chicken to butchers, independent retailers, and catering butchers across the county and beyond. Now, they’re channelling that same dedication into providing vital support for Angus Leckonby. The plan involves monthly deliveries of chicken, which is a fantastic source of lean protein—exactly what an elite athlete needs for muscle repair and energy during a gruelling training schedule. It’s the kind of practical, meaningful support that can make all the difference when preparing for a major competition.

The idea for the sponsorship came from Soanes Poultry’s brand ambassador, Robert Laird. He saw something special in Angus and knew the company had to get involved. Robert said: “We were impressed with Angus’s professionalism, can-do attitude and training ethic, all of which have contributed to his success to date. There’s a great fit between Angus’s values and ours, and we are looking forward to seeing him progress as he completes his 2026 competition schedule.” This partnership is more than just fuel; it's a shared belief in hard work and a commitment to excellence. The support from a respected Yorkshire business like Soanes Poultry is a massive vote of confidence for this incredible athlete.

Meet Angus Leckonby: the local athlete taking on the world

So, who is the athlete at the centre of all this? Angus Leckonby is a 23-year-old from Octon who is, frankly, an inspiration. He’s not new to the world stage; he already holds multiple Guinness World Records. Let that sink in. He's officially recognised as:

• The youngest male with an intellectual disability to complete a marathon.

• The holder of the fastest marathon time for a male in his category (II1).

• The youngest person to swim two miles in open water in his category (II1).

These aren't small achievements. Running a marathon or completing a long-distance open-water swim is a massive undertaking for anyone. Holding Guinness World Records for them shows an extraordinary level of dedication. Now, with the support of Soanes Poultry, Angus has his eyes on even bigger prizes. He’s grateful for the backing, and it’s clear this partnership means a lot to him. Speaking about the new role, Angus said: “I’m proud to represent Soanes Poultry as an athlete ambassador and I’m excited about my Guinness World Record attempts at the London Marathon, where I hope to beat my own record, the Outlaw Half Triathlon and the Super Six Mile Serpentine Swim in Hyde Park.” As an athlete ambassador, he represents the brand's values, and his determination is the perfect match for a business that has thrived for decades.

The gruelling training schedule for a champion

Becoming a world-record holder doesn't happen by accident. It requires an almost unbelievable amount of hard work. Angus's weekly training schedule is a testament to his commitment. He typically puts in 20 hours a week of swimming, cycling, and running. That's like having a part-time job on top of everything else, where the work is physically pushing your body to its limits. His training is carefully structured as he is preparing for a packed competition schedule that includes multiple disciplines. This rigorous training is essential for building the endurance and strength needed for a marathon, a triathlon, and long-distance swimming.

He isn't doing it all alone, though. A strong support network is key. He has monthly sessions with his expert triathlete coach, Fran Recchia from Total Tri Training, who helps him fine-tune his performance across all three triathlon disciplines. He also trains with several local clubs, including Scarborough Swimming Club, Yorkshire Wolds Runners, and Wolds Triathlon Club, embedding him firmly in the local sporting community. And there's another important coach in his corner: his father, Matthew Leckonby. As a former national swimmer himself, his dad provides invaluable experience and support, making this a true family effort. This combination of professional coaching, community training, and family support creates the perfect environment for a local athlete to thrive.

What's next on the competition schedule?

The year ahead is packed with challenges for Angus. The main focus is on attempting to secure three more Guinness World Records. The competition schedule is seriously impressive. First up is the London Marathon, where he aims to beat his own world record. Then there's the Outlaw Half Triathlon, a brutal event that combines a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. As if that wasn't enough, he’ll also take on the Super Six Mile Serpentine Swim in Hyde Park, a massive open-water swimming challenge. Each event requires a different kind of strength and stamina.

Beyond the world record attempts, his full competition schedule includes other major events. He'll be competing in the Salford Masters regional open water swimming championships, testing his swimming prowess against the region's best. He is also scheduled for the T100 London Triathlon and the Special Olympics National Games. It’s a relentless schedule of high-stakes events that will push him to his absolute limit. This journey, powered by dedication and plenty of Soanes Poultry chicken, is one the whole of Yorkshire will be watching. It's a fantastic story of a local athlete reaching for global recognition, with a proud local business helping him every step of the way.