This is Ollie. Ollie is a bloody legend and I've known him since he was 2. He is the son of a friend of mine and he attends Downs View School in Woodingdean. Downs View is an incredible school and provides specialist education to children and young people with learning difficulties, from 4 to 16 years old and from 16 to 19 years old at Downs View Link College.

What I didn't know until recently was that not all facilities and equipment are funded by the Local Education Authority. The school relies on partnerships with local companies, charities and community groups to benefit the pupils at the School & Link College.

So this got me thinking. As I am about to embark on fulfilling a lifelong dream to complete an Ironman Triathlon (2.4mile Swim; 112mile Bike & 26mile Marathon Run - in a single day), I wanted to raise funds for a charity that meant something to me and that I could actually see where the money would be spent.

So that's it! I am going to raise funds for my mate Ollie and his school. But what do they need in order for me to see where the money has been spent. Well 2 shiny new Minibuses will do. The school has had to raise £34,000 of which they are now £5,000 short

The minibuses are an integral part of the curriculum as they provide the specialist transport needed for the pupils and young adults and are in constant use, taking them out on trips, to swimming sessions, to work placements, to name but a few of their uses.

They allow the students to access a wide variety of life enhancing and skills based activities that support their learning and therefore, develop their ability to manage in new surroundings.

I have seen the great quality of life Ollie leads through the experiences and learnings he gains from the teachers and facilities of Downs View. In addition they have provided immense support for not only his parents but all other parents of children attending this school.

Please could I ask you to find some loose change to help Ollie and his mates continue to be able to experience what the world has to offer. 

In return I'll be doing everything I can to ensure I arrive at the start line on 6th August fit and ready to go. 6 months of training, 9 sessions a week (3 x swim, 3 x bike & 3 x run) totalling between 10-16 hours a week and a huge amount of calories consumed!!

Thanks. Ollie and I really appreciate your support!

Ash