Firstly thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. 

In 19 days time on the 4th June I am taking part in the 2017 Blenheim Palace Triathlon as part of a team for 'Thinking of Oscar' - www.thinkingofoscar.com

This involves a 750m swim in a murky lake (full of trout), a 400m steep run to find my bike, and then a bike ride for 20km of hilly roads, ending in a 5.4km jelly -legged, hilly run to the finish line!

This is quite a frightening challenge, but one that I am spurred on to do quite simply,  by the incredible hard work that our friends Hannah and David Cole do to raise money for this, their own charity.

Hannah and David tragically lost their healthy 16 month old son Oscar Cole on the 19th June 2014. Oscar was being treated for a routine infection, and contracted Rotavirus during his treatment which in turn lead to Encephalitis.

Jez and I remember Oscar well, not a lot older than Poppy and full of smiles and character. Holly, his older sister is a classmate and great friend of Ernie.

Hannah and David work tirelessly to raise money to improve the lives of sick children and babies in hospital, by funding equipment to make medical processes and procedures so much more bearable, and less intrusive, than what might otherwise be available.

They have raised £150k over the last three years, with £100k of this, dedicated and ready to fund a new Paediatric Procedures Unit at the John Radcliffe Oxford Hospital. They have also funded expensive but remarkable vein finding devices to help doctors and nurses in Oxford and at Great Ormond Street Hospital to locate veins for pic lines without any pain or anguish.  In addition, a whole supply of new and exciting toys, games, and new play equipment was provided for the children's hospital.

David and Hannah are super people and what happened to them could happen to anyone. They are determined to make something really positive out of his life, and the thinking of Oscar charity is making a big difference, but there is so much more that could be achieved. This might very well help anyone of us, or somebody you know in the future.

It will be a huge honour to participate on Sunday 4th June with my Thinking of Oscar kit on amongst my team mates. It will make the squeeze into the wetsuit, the ache of the saddle sore and the burn in my jelly legs on the run, all worth while!

Im not a fan of any of the three disciplines with running being my absolute foe, but Thinking Of Oscar on the day will get me around that course.

Poppy is taking part in her first duathlon on the same weekend and is excited to run, ride her bike and run to raise all she can!

Ernie is now in his third year of his duathlon and raring to go!

All three of us would be delighted if you could make a donation to this fantastic charity and we promise to do Oscar proud.

Thank you so much,

Lucy, Ernie & Poppy xx

Ps I have had two punctured tires, still can't progress past breast stroke, and to add more pain to my run, am unable to wear my headphones as would be disqualified, so I just have my deep panting / breathing for company- help!!