Interview
UKIHPA Director Gareth Hale Catches Up with National League Ambassador Deakan Fielder
As part of his incredible Wrekin to Everest challenge, UKIHPA Director Gareth Hale caught up with our National League Ambassador Deakan Fielder to discuss the inspiration behind the challenge, the physical and mental battles he faced, and what the overwhelming support from the ice hockey community has meant to him.
What inspired you to take on the Wrekin to Everest challenge, and why is this cause so close to your heart?
Deak:
“I wanted to do this challenge not only to push myself outside of my comfort zone but also to raise money and awareness for my mum’s struggles with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). She inspires me every day to do my best no matter what.”
“I wanted to do this challenge not only to push myself outside of my comfort zone but also to raise money and awareness for my mum’s struggles with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). She inspires me every day to do my best no matter what.”
What has been the biggest physical and mental challenge you’ve faced during the walk so far?
Deak:
“Physically, it was tough on the joints and lower back. Having to push through that was all mental, I believe.”
“Physically, it was tough on the joints and lower back. Having to push through that was all mental, I believe.”
Have there been any moments or people along the journey that have really stuck with you?
Deak:
“So many incredible people gave up their time to join me. Friends, family, teammates and even Tigers fans! However, a big shoutout has to go to my fiancée’s dad, who stuck by me throughout the full 27 hours and even completed seven hours himself.
“So many incredible people gave up their time to join me. Friends, family, teammates and even Tigers fans! However, a big shoutout has to go to my fiancée’s dad, who stuck by me throughout the full 27 hours and even completed seven hours himself.
Other than that, it was probably the moment when two deer suddenly jumped out in front of me and nearly took me out! 🤣”
How important has the support from the ice hockey community and everyone following your journey been in keeping you motivated?
Deak:
“I think seeing the hockey family all come together has been incredible and massively motivating for me. It shows that not only are we one big family in the rink, but we can also support each other through life’s challenges and the tough times we all face.”
“I think seeing the hockey family all come together has been incredible and massively motivating for me. It shows that not only are we one big family in the rink, but we can also support each other through life’s challenges and the tough times we all face.”
If you could encourage one person who is thinking about donating, what would you say?
Deak:
“To be honest, I would just say thank you. No matter the size of the donation, the money raised will be able to support my mum throughout her struggles with this horrible disease. It will also help raise awareness of MS so more people can understand it and learn from it.”
“To be honest, I would just say thank you. No matter the size of the donation, the money raised will be able to support my mum throughout her struggles with this horrible disease. It will also help raise awareness of MS so more people can understand it and learn from it.”
Once you’ve completed this incredible challenge, what’s next for Deak, and what message would you like to leave with everyone who’s supported you?
Deak:
“Well, once I’ve recovered, I’ll be going straight into pre-season preparation for the new season. I’m super excited for next season with the Tigers, which will be my sixth season.
“Well, once I’ve recovered, I’ll be going straight into pre-season preparation for the new season. I’m super excited for next season with the Tigers, which will be my sixth season.
As for another challenge, I haven’t decided yet, but I’m always looking to push myself, so I’m sure there’ll be another goal for next summer!
To everyone who has supported me, thank you. Whether you donated, shared my journey or joined me in person, you are all the reason I was able to get through this. Me, my mum and my family will be forever grateful. 🙏🏻”
A Message from UKIHPA
Everyone at UKIHPA is immensely proud of Deakan and everything he has achieved through this incredible challenge.
His determination, resilience and commitment to raising awareness for Multiple Sclerosis perfectly reflect the values of our association. Challenges like this remind us that the ice hockey community is much more than a sport - we are a family that stands together when it matters most.
If you are able to support Deak’s fundraising campaign, no matter how big or small your donation, it will make a genuine difference to an incredible cause.
One Game. One Family. One Association. 🏒❤️