In 2016 my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a traumatic few months of radiotherapy she was given the all clear but she's just the latest in a long line of friends and family who have suffered from this dreadful disease.

My sister is a nurse in the Breast Care unit at Southmead Hospital and is able to help in a practical way so I have decided to do my bit to support the unit there through their charity, BUST.

I have been building up to the ironman triathlon distance for a couple of years as I waited for my children to grow up and for my business to mature so that I could switch my focus to intense triathlon training for 6 months. This will be my ultimate physical achievement: completing 2.4mile swim, 112mile bike ride and a marathon run in less than 17 hours. This will be the story I bore my grandchildren with when I'm old and fat 😉

Total distance 226km total hence my target of £2260; because £226 would be too easy.

I have chosen to do this at the Cotswold 226 triathlon (the full Ironman distance without the Ironman brand) at the Cotswold Water Park on Sunday 25th June 2017 as it is a friendly local event and I will need your support around the course. 

When I'm flagging I want to hear my friends and family encouraging me on because this is about more than just PHYSICAL strength, it will be the ultimate test of my MENTAL strength too. This mental strength which has helped me to start up and grow a successful business while raising two fabulous children and coaching young athletes. This mental strength which comes from the wonderful network of friends, family and business colleagues who have always urged me to push onwards. 

This is a fitting fundraising challenge because the first and foremost of these supporters, pushing me on to achieve the impossible (and picking me up when I sometimes fall),  has always been my MUM.

 I look forward to seeing/hearing you there on 25th.

PS I'll try my best not to die 😂