Thanks for taking the time to visit my page.

I must be out of my mind but this is "My Great Triathlon". 

The challenge;
18th May 2014 Great Manchester Run - 10k Run. I don't run! I've never done a 10k before. 
29th June 2014 Great Manchester Cycle - 52 Miles, not been on my bike for years!
19th July 2014 Great Manchester Swim - 1 mile swim in Salford Quays - I've never swam in the open water before. Anti-Whaling protesters will be protecting me. 

 

Why is this is so hard?

A big challenge for me will be training for all three events. All are very specific and very different types of challenge.
My body fat is currently over 30% and my fitness is very low. 

 

Why Mental Health?

I know so many people who suffer the torture of Mental Illness. Most suffer in silence. Some have even lost their life.
They feel no-one could understand the pain or the injury that can’t be seen. Others often doubt there is actually anything wrong with them and they must be making it up. Some say “pull yourself together” or worse “What have you got to feel down about”?

When all hope has disappeared and there seems no point in living any more, all it can take is a conversation to help reduce the pain.

 

MIND!

“Mind” support those who feel alone and suffer with any number of mental illnesses. They Provide FREE helplines and counselling (and so much more).

If one conversation saves someone’s life, then the pain I will put myself through will be worth it.

 

My Story (short version).

A few years ago a typical day for me was hoping the number of panic attacks was less than the last day. Confusion, paranoia, loneliness, memory loss, fear, tears, the mental and physical pain was unbearable. I was terrified around others but couldn’t bear to be alone. A good night’s sleep was impossible. All confidence in myself had gone. Antidepressants calmed me down but also took my energy. To compound this both of my parents were diagnosed with cancer and subsequently died within 3 months of each other. Now guilt and confusion were added into the mix. My franchise business was liquidated along with our life savings and income. Financial stress was intolerable.  

 

If there was an easy way out I would take it, at any cost. I had a simple choice give in or fight back.

 

Fighting Back.
It’s been a very long journey. Taking “baby steps”, each day getting stronger. The confidence is back. The energy levels are high. If I can achieve this challenge, I’ll feel I have beaten depression and raising money for an amazing cause will spur me on; every step, revolution and stroke of the way.

 

It's easy to donate. 

I'm paying for all the entry fees and trainers, T-shirt, shorts, helmet, cycle service, new tyres, wetsuit, gym membership and travel. Plus training for around 120 hours!
In return all I ask is that you make a donation and show me that it's worth it!
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.