Nick Holland Takes on the Copenhagen Ironman to Support Savana

Nick Holland, the passionate owner of Complete Communications, is gearing up for a monumental challenge: the Copenhagen Ironman. This gruelling event will see Nick push his physical and mental limits as he swims 2.4 miles, bikes 112 miles, and runs 26.2 miles—all in one day! But this Ironman is more than just a personal test of endurance; it’s a mission to support Savana, a charity dedicated to breaking the silence around sexual violence. We encourage everyone to donate and support Nick's incredible effort in raising both awareness and funds for this crucial cause.

In the lead-up to the big event, we thought we would ask Nick some questions to explore his motivations, challenges, and the journey that has brought him to this point.

What inspired you to participate in the Copenhagen Ironman Challenge, and why did you choose Savana as your chosen charity?

Nick’s journey into endurance sports began with a personal mission—to become a better role model for his children. "The birth of my first child, George, sparked a desire in me to be better," Nick shared. "The arrival of my other children only strengthened that desire. I wanted to be a role model for them, so I started to exercise more regularly." As he progressed, Nick found himself drawn to triathlons and half Ironman events. A friend eventually suggested he take on the full Ironman, and the family-friendly nature of the Copenhagen event made it an ideal choice.

Nick’s connection to Savana was serendipitous. "I hadn’t heard of Savana until three months ago when I bumped into Sophia Baker at a BNI network event," Nick recounted. "We had a 121 meeting, and it opened my eyes to the incredible work the charity does." The cause hit close to home for Nick, as a friend had been directly affected by sexual abuse and had sought help from Savana. "For those reasons, I decided to promote the work that Savana does for its victims."

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced during your training, and how have you overcome them?

Training for an Ironman is no small feat, and Nick has faced his fair share of obstacles along the way. "The biggest challenges are illness and injury," Nick admitted. "How you equip your mind to deal with them is crucial. These things aren’t your fault; it feels unfair, but controlling the things I can control and not worrying about what I can’t makes it easier." Nick emphasized the importance of adaptability, noting that "knowing that in good times and bad, these things don’t last. Time moves on, and situations change. It’s how you adapt to those changes that matters."

What do you anticipate will be the most challenging part of the Ironman Challenge, and how are you preparing to tackle it?

As Nick prepares for race day, he is acutely aware of the physical and mental toll the event will take. "I’ll be exercising for 12 hours plus, and as time goes on, the run—being the last and most draining part—will be the hardest for me," Nick acknowledged. However, he’s not going in unprepared. "I’ll remember the advice from my coach, who has been with me every step of the way. I’ll lean on the fact that I’ve faced difficult experiences in races before and got through them, always coming back for more."

Have there been any particularly memorable moments or milestones during your training that you’d like to share?

Nick’s training journey has been filled with both challenges and humour. "One funny moment that stands out was when I went for an open water swim one morning. After struggling for 15 minutes to put on my wetsuit, I realized I’d grabbed my wife’s wetsuit instead of mine!" he laughed. Despite the mishap, Nick attempted the swim, offering onlookers quite a sight.

Beyond the humorous moments, Nick reflects on how training has transformed his life. "Training has become part of my life now, especially early mornings. It’s been great changing my habit from lying in bed to getting up and making something happen." As he enters the taper phase of his training, Nick finds himself reflecting on the emotional journey of the past 12 months. "It’s a strange feeling, realizing the event is close. It stirs up some nervous emotions, but I guess that’s just part of being human."

What has been the most rewarding aspect of combining your passion for endurance sports with fundraising for charity?

For Nick, the rewards of this journey go beyond personal achievement. "Training is personal to me—it’s something I enjoy and helps keep me balanced in my life," he said. But combining this passion with charity work has added a new dimension to his efforts. "It’s difficult to comprehend how challenging life can be for some people less fortunate than you. The money I raise is important to the charity, but for me, the most rewarding part is raising awareness."

Nick has found immense fulfilment in engaging with people curious about why he chose Savana. "The truth is, it’s all about raising awareness. I’m extremely grateful that I’m able-bodied to attempt this event and that Savana has given me the opportunity to help raise awareness for their cause."

Nick’s journey to the Copenhagen Ironman is one of resilience, dedication, and a deep desire to make a difference. As the Ironman Challenge approaches, we wish him the best of luck and encourage everyone to support his incredible efforts by donating to Savana. Together, we can help break the silence around sexual violence.

If you would like to support Savana in Breaking the Silence & Changing Lives and of course support Nick as he embarks on his Copenhagen Ironman Challenge, follow the link to make a donation of any amount: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/nicksironmanchallenge