Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In September last year, in a moment of madness, I decided to sign-up for the Ironman UK triathlon, taking place in Bolton on 22nd July this year (2012).  In addition to the support from my awesome wife Vicky and my gorgeous daughters Rebecca (aged 8) and Hannah (aged 4), I found myself a coach (Neil) to help me through my epic training journey to Ironman.

For those who don't already know, the Ironman Triathlon consists of a 3.8km (2.4miles) open water swim, followed by a 180km (111miles) cycle ride, followed by a marathon (40km/26.2mile run).  My aim is to complete this in under 15 hours.

Around the same time I took on this challenge, I also found out about an incredibly courageous little boy called Charlie Hook, who is suffering from an aggressive form of childhood cancer. Charlie was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma on his 5th birthday, 10th Jaunary 2011.  He is receiving intensive treatment, but if it doesn't work, or if Charlie relapses, the only option is for him to travel to America for treatment. This will cost £300,000.  The relapse rate is very high at 80%. 

As a dad myself, I find it agonisingly difficult to read the stories on Charlie's facebook and JustGiving pages that describe the physical and emotional strain he and his family continue to work through, and the same is true for the many other families coping with the same trauma.  Sadly, some of Charlie's little friends have already lost their fight with this cruel and devastating disease.

Charlie's strength, courage and determination, and that of his family, has become my drive to complete the Ironman, and the other events I have signed-up to along the way.  Please help me make a difference for this amazing little boy.

My current events calendar includes;

- 29 Jan, Chernobyl 10km road race (completed!)
- 26 Feb, Great North West Half Marathon (completed!)
- 20 May, St Annes Triathlon (Sprint distance)
- 1 July, Liverpool Triathlon (Olympic distance)
- 22 July, Ironman UK Triathlon, Bolton

If Charlie's treatment is successful and he doesn't relapse, any money raised will be used to support families with other children in the same desperate position.

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So please dig deep and donate now.