Hello everybody.

Man time goes by so fast - i can't believe it will be 2 years this june since we first suckered ourselves into doing the blenheim tri-aff-er-lon. And yet here we are again, nervously getting back into training and wondering why exactly we are doing this.

For many of us it'll always be an event associated with Jonny Wilson; as we struggle round the course we'll be thinking of him and all the laughs we had with that unique and irrepressible young man. But also this year caroline will be raising money for the people who looked after her dad bob. I remember him very clearly last year, sat calmly in his deckchair, watching the swimmers through his binoculars. he seemed to be really enjoying the sunshine and the occasion and looked very happy.

This  bit is from Caroline:

" My dad was a keen cyclist, and was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2006, after a short battle with the disease he sadly passed away on 12th October 2007.

We have chosen to do the triathlon for Katharine House Hospice as this was where he spent a lot of his time, in the day centre and when he was admitted for pain management, it was also the place he spent his final week.

Katharine House is an amazing place, with a very calming atmosphere and wonderful nurses and doctors.  All the staff made me and my family feel very safe and comfortable when we visited my dad.

They even took over the hospice one night when Bob and his grandson Jack had their parsnip competition judged. They had both been growing parsnips since January and had decided earlier on in the year to see who could grow the biggest, the staff all got involved by making the certificates and letting the whole family take over the day room which was filled with laughter.

My family and I have so many happy memories of Katharine House Hospice and this is why we would like to give them something back by doing the triathlon and raising as much money as we possibly can"

(back to dave again) So i'm really impressed that this year caroline will be doing the team event to raise money for the caring people that looked after her dad. she'll be cycling like greg lemond himself round the course.

If you can come along on the day that would be fab - you can either larf or marvel at all the people who seem to think that paying for the privilege of exercising themselves to the max is a good idea. i reckon it's a life affirming day out too- all these nutters striving to raise money or just to get round.

If you feel like sparing us some cash that'd be loovely, otherwise as ever please spare a moment to think of you favourite memories of Jonney (le mullet) Wilson, of Caroline's Dad Bob, or of anyone you really care about who isn't with us any more.

Hope to see you on the day,

MTFBWY,

Lots of love,

The Team. xxx