Leeds Man to Spend 60 Hours in Bathtub for Charity

August 3, 2026 Off By

Unique challenge aims to highlight addiction recovery and raise funds

A recovering drug addict from Leeds is preparing to spend up to 60 hours in a bathtub in Leeds city centre as part of a charity event designed to raise awareness of addiction recovery and community support. The event, called TUBtrap, will take place in City Square from 7 to 9 August 2026.

About the Challenge and Organisers

Chris Sylvester, founder of the Leeds-based social enterprise Getting Clean, will undertake the challenge. Getting Clean is a Community Interest Company (CIC) that produces and sells handmade bars of soap. The social enterprise employs six people in recovery and pledges to donate 50% of its profits to organisations supporting recovering addicts across the UK.

The aim of the event is to raise £50,000 through soap sales. Upon reaching this target, a £20,000 donation will be made to a lived-experience recovery project run in collaboration with Forward Leeds.

Getting Clean’s Background and Mission

Founded by Chris Sylvester, who has personal experience of addiction and recovery.
Started as a volunteer initiative focused on community activities such as litter picking and tree planting.
Has grown into a social enterprise based in Armley, Leeds, employing people in recovery.
Recently held a pop-up shop at John Lewis in Leeds, selling nearly 1,000 bars of soap.
Secured £150,000 funding from the Postcode Innovation Trust (People’s Postcode Lottery) to support its business plan.

Chris Sylvester has stated that the organisation aims to demonstrate that people with lived experience of addiction can contribute positively to their communities and that employment and peer support are key to lasting recovery.

Community and Business Involvement

The event encourages businesses and the public to support the challenge by purchasing soap, placing bulk orders, stocking products, or funding “First Day Packs” for individuals entering treatment or leaving prison. Each purchase contributes directly to the fundraising target and supports employment opportunities for people rebuilding their lives.

The event will be livestreamed on TikTok via the @gettingcleansoap account, and visitors are welcome to attend in Leeds City Square during the challenge.

Details of the Event

Runs continuously from midday on Friday 7 August until midnight on Sunday 9 August 2026, or until the £50,000 target is reached.
Hosted in partnership with Leeds City Council.
Further information and sponsorship enquiries can be made via sales@gettingclean.co.uk or at www.gettingclean.co.uk.

About Forward Leeds Lived-Experience Project

The Forward Leeds project offers recovery support designed and delivered by people who have experienced addiction themselves. It focuses on peer support and creating a full recovery pathway for participants.

Background on Chris Sylvester

Chris Sylvester was introduced to heroin at age 12 and spent over 20 years dealing with addiction, including periods of crime, imprisonment, hospitalisation, and homelessness. He found recovery at age 35 and subsequently committed to helping others through support work and community projects, eventually founding Getting Clean.