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At exactly 11 am Saturday, Jonathan Leonard laced up, dropped down, and kicked off one of the most gruelling physical challenges imaginable: 24 hours of burpees.

Burpees are a full-body, high-intensity test of endurance, strength, and mental grit. But for Jonathan, it wasn't about fitness but making a difference for people living with disabilities in Kenya.

“I’m just a simple guy doing a simple challenge,” Jonathan said. "It’s for two incredible charities doing life-changing work.”

The challenge, known as Mazoezi for Mobility, is raising funds and awareness for the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK) and Riziki Source.

The organisations have been on the frontline, transforming the lives of Kenyans living with disabilities—from providing medical equipment and rehab services to helping young people transition from school to employment through music and mentorship.

“I’ve been training for this moment for years,” he said.

“I spent 14 years in the military, where burpees were part of our daily grind, and for the past year, I’ve been doing them every single day. They’re brutal but effective. They work the whole body, and they’re accessible—just like this challenge is meant to be.”

But 24 hours of continuous movement? It’s not for the faint of heart.

“My knees, my wrists, my joints—they’re going to scream. But if that pain helps someone stand taller, live better, or feel seen, then it’s all worth it. I don’t mind suffering if it leads to pride, dignity, and change," he said.

The goal is ambitious: raise Sh1 million, split evenly between the two charities. Donations can be made through the M-Changa platform under ‘Mazoezi for Mobility’.

Jonathan is quick to point out that this isn’t about chasing records.

“I don’t want to break a world record,” he said.

“I want to break barriers for people living with disabilities in Kenya. I want to show that sport can be a tool for good. If this helps just one person, changes just one life, then I’ve done what I came here to do," he observed.

Though the event was branded as “non-stop,” Jonathon took brief, strategic breaks to eat, hydrate and change clothes.

Jonathan was born in Kenya but left in 2010 to join the British army. He returned last year, and this challenge, he says, is his way of reconnecting and giving back to the community.

“There’s no place like Kenya,” he smiled. “The umoja—the togetherness—you feel here is unmatched. This mission is simple: help people with disabilities live better, fuller lives,” he said.