Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.  It won't be here long - so now is the moment to act.

I've done it!

On 13th July 2008 I got up, swam 2.4 miles, cycled 112 miles, ran 26.2miles and then, after a couple of hours leaning heavily on Sarah, collapsed in a heap.  

I've completed the Austrian Ironman Triathlon and can now call myself an Ironman.  A title I thought was nonsense until I'd done it, now i'm changing my name by deedpole.  It was the hardest physical challenge I've ever undertaken but I'm proud to say I completed it faster than expected in a very respectable 11hr 33mins and 36 secs.

The hardest emotional challenge I've ever faced was several years ago (pre-Sarah) overcoming the impact of miscarriage.    1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, I had no idea.  That's why it came as such a shock.  I'd like people, male and female, to be more aware of this and more able to talk about it .  That's why I'm choosing to raise money for the Miscarriage Association, they provide timely support and information for those affected by the loss of a baby in pregnancy.  They're good guys.

So - I've done a nutty challenge for good reason - thanks for all those who have sponsored me, all those who have sent words of encouragement.  Particularly Linda for never faultering in her coaching duties and Sarah for her support and patience - I promise I'll get the garage finished/garden done/kitchen tiled/heating in/my life together now!