Florence Kinnafick’s six-year-old son, Hugo, has a rare metabolic liver disease. Both attend CrossFit Leamington in the United Kingdom and are hosting a one-day fundraiser for a charity that supports people diagnosed with Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD).
The event titled “Hugo’s WOD Squad” will begin at noon on January 31, 2026, at CrossFit Leamington (CFL). It will showcase 24 “Hero” workouts over 24 hours. Each participant will complete one workout every hour on the hour for 24 hours.
- “As a friend of the family, and someone lucky enough to have gotten to know Flo [Florence] and Hugo properly, I can honestly say they embody everything people talk about when they describe a CrossFit community,” Rich Morris, a friend of the family and member of CrossFit Leamington, tells Morning Chalk Up in an interview.
In May 2020, Hugo underwent several blood tests and a genetic panel. Soon after, he was diagnosed with GSD type 3b. The disease is a rare inherited metabolic disorder that affects glycogen storage and can cause glycogen to accumulate in organs such as the liver.
- “Hugo’s liver can’t release the glucose to provide him with the energy he needs for day-to-day life. Without frequent feeds around the clock with a specific, strict diet plus a modified cornstarch drink feed during the night, he suffers from severe hypoglycemia,” according to Kinnafick.
There is currently no cure for GSD, and Hugo needs ongoing medical care for his entire life, including blood tests, liver scans, and regular appointments to review and update his care plan. Additionally, he often wears a continuous glucose monitor to track his blood sugar levels.
But one place where he is treated just like anyone else is CrossFit Leamington.
- “CFL, without a doubt, has been central in supporting us in many ways. Allowing Hugo to do normal kid activities in a safe environment while I work out in the same building,” Kinnafick told Morning Chalk Up in an email.
Both Hugo and his mom have made an enormous impact on CrossFit Leamington and vice versa. Morris adds that Florence and Hugo are beloved members of the gym and describes Florence as someone who lifts up everyone around her.
- “It’s one of the reasons CFL and its members have rallied behind this fundraiser, and why I wanted to help promote it. Hugo and his mum bring so much to the box, and it feels right that we all do what we can to support them in return,” said Morris.
All money raised from the event will be given to the Association of Glycogen Storage Disease UK. The charity supports those individuals diagnosed with GSD and their families.
Those looking to contribute to the event can donate on the JustGiving event page.
