FINAL UPDATE
On 1 August I completed the IRONMAN in 12 hours 46 minutes. This was no easy challenge...it was mentally and physically demanding. I had envisaged completing the IRONMAN but I am especially pleased with my time as this was unexpected. I thoroughly enjoyed the event but it was tough. From reading literature I decided to take the advice and take it nice and slow. I did better than I thought I would on the swim and completed this in 1hr 12 mins. I did the cycling in 7 hrs 06 mins, despite two punctures and toilet stops. The first two laps I took it easy but on the last lap I went for it. The marathon took me 4 hrs 11mins. This was mentally challenging as you have to run within approximately 100 yds of the finish line and turn round and do another circular lap of 16 miles to come back to the same spot to finish. The best bit was coming to the finish, seeing all my family and friends who supported me all the way, and hearing those words "Bryan Tillyer, you are an IRONMAN". Many thanks to everyone who sponsored me and sent me messages of support, this was much appreciated. Thomas`s Fund will ensure the money raised will go towards providing music therapy for children who are disabled and who have life limiting illnessses and on their behalf I thank you. Bryan.
FURTHER UPDATE
Thanks to everyone who has donated so far. Please tell your friends and encourage them to donate too!
My training is going well but my body is falling apart!! Nonetheless, I WILL keep on going and I WILL finish the UK Iron Man. My mate Keith is also competing and I know he feels as strongly as I do about doing the best he can and finishing in one piece. Wish us luck. Bryan
UPDATE
The training is pretty hectic and my feet are just about intact, boy are they sore! Sunday cycle ride is now upto 100 miles plus and the only good thing I can say is that I am getting a pretty good tan, but looking stupid with all these ridiculous tan lines across my legs and arms!! Saturday`s long run of about 17 miles is going ok but my feet are suffering. The swimming has progressed to 2 mile lake swims and I am getting up at 4am to drive to Datchet for this. Overall I am feeling optimistic, just as long as my feet can make it to the day of the Iron Man. Wish me luck.
My name is Bryan. I am 44 years of age and I live in Northamptonshire. I have been running half and full marathons for most of my life and have raised lots of money along the way for many charities. Due to suffering many injuries, I decided I needed to re think my training. I learnt how to swim with my coach Keith and took up cycling, to take the pressure off my aching knees and blistered feet, not to mention the nerve damage, shin splints etc etc... This led me onto triathlons, which I found I was good at and thoroughly enjoyed. Last year I took part in the half Iron man and despite my wife Tania`s apprehension, I applied to compete in the Iron man in Bolton on 1st August 2010. I relish new challenges and following my Lands End to John O`Groats cycle ride last year, which I took part in with 6 other like minded "athletes", there is no stopping me now!!
Why am I doing this for Thomas`s fund? My wife and I have four children, the eldest Lee is 25 years of age. Lee suffered irreversible brain damage at the age of one year. He is quadriplegic, has learning difficulties, is registered blind and has numerous physical and medical problems, which impact on his quality of life. Despite these difficulties, Lee is happy and when well, his quality of life is very good. When Lee was younger he enjoyed and benefitted greatly from music therapy both at school and at home. Today music is still very much a huge part of his life.
We met Lucy and Harry, Thomas`s brother, whom this charity is in memory of, a few years ago, and when Lucy told us about Thomas`s fund, I decided that my next challenge would be for this charity. The work of this charity is so beneficial for children of all ages in many ways. Music therapy offers children sensory stimulation and introduces them to a range of musical instruments to help them develop their skills. In Lee`s case it also provided him with a way to communicate his feelings. Tania and I believe this charity is a worthy cause and we would greatly appreciate your support. Your donation will enable children in Northamptonshire who have a life limiting illness or disability and who is unable to attend school for periods of time to benefit from music therapy. Thank you for your generosity.
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