Dear All,

This is the big one, the hardest event I've attempted to date. The apex of all my running around, splashing along and biking trips.

It's the Ironman UK triathlon. It is a 3.8km swim, followed by a 180km bike ride, finishing off with a 40km run. (2.4 mile swim, 110 mile bike ride then a marathon for those who like it in old money).

I'm raising funds for St Peter's Hospice in Bristol for two reasons; firstly, I wanted to choose an organisation that might not have the large fundraising machines of the bigger charities; secondly, and of more importance, my late grandma, Win Coles, spent some time there before she passed away, over 11 years ago now, so this is one way of saying thanks for their efforts all those years ago.

Please have a read about the work that St Peter's Hospice does in providing this kind of care and donate whatever you want or feel is appropriate. And if you want to really make me work for the donations, I am actually doing a half ironman distance triathlon on Cornwall on May 18th and an official Half-Ironman race in Switzerland (think of the hills) a fortnight later on June the 2nd, so you can see it as doing in total two whole ironmans this year!

Please also feel free to pass this one to anyone else who may be interested in supporting the work of hospices and the like.

All donations and support much appreciated

Simon

PS due to a scheduling change the Ironman UK is actually two days after my 30th birthday, not a fortnight before, as has been the case in previous years, so I will be postponing celebrations until after the race, such is the focus on being able to get round in one piece! As if you needed another reason to contribute! ;-)


Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: St Peter's Hospice will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support.