So 2 weeks before Christmas I received an email from Ironman UK, to say I had been entered for this year’s Ironman after volunteering as a marshal for the past 5 years!

After I fell off my chair, it got me thinking what would it take to get to the start line.

So the week before Christmas I swam my first length front crawl! Spent nearly every Sunday morning out on the bike and running at night when I could.

The race is this Sunday and I have just about managed to be half ready to give it a go. My race number is 2142, if anyone is about on the course any support would be greatly appreciated.

I have been asked if I am doing it for any charity? As my chance of completing is not good I wanted to keep it low key. However some people have said they would like to sponsor me.

So if anyone would like to sponsor me, I will be sending any money raised to a school in Uganda where my daughter Laura taught at during her gap year 12 years ago and where she has sponsored, with the support of many family and friends, underprivileged children through primary and secondary school education.

The school is in the middle of nowhere with very little resources. Any money raised will go straight to buy some much needed equipment for the school and children.

I know things are tight at the moment with all the Brexit stuff, so not trying to change the world, but if you would like to make a donation this would spur me on when things get really tough.

£5 maximum please, except a couple of friends who have always said I have no chance then you can go to £10.

Thanks

Dave Smith