Last year one of my closest friends, Handsome Joe, lost his
beautiful daughter Nelle to Spinal Muscular Atrophy.  Nelle was only with us for a very short period of time but I was blessed enough to share a number of cuddles and smiles.  

Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a rare genetic defect and unfortunately there is nothing that can be done about it.  During the last few months of Nelle’s life a small charity called SMA provided support and care for Joe and his family, I honestly don’t know how he could have got through without them.  Since loosing Nelle Joe has done some amazing work for the charity.

Inspired by Handsome Joe, some friends and I have decided to take on something well outside my comfort zone.

It should be pretty obvious that I am not a triathlete! However, later this year a team of elite-middle-aged semi-retired rugby players, including myself are competing in the Staffordshire Half-Iron Man.  This is a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.

You should all be prepared to witness a heroic transformation in my physic over the next few months, Mrs Simpson is very excited about me having a six pack!