As I hurtled towards mid life I decided against buying a sports car (too poor), growing a ponytail (too bald), or running away with a 25 year old (too realistic). But instead considered marking the occasion with an arduous test of physical and mental endurance…the “Ironman”. 

This involves an open water swim of 3.8km in cold water, a monstrous bike ride of 180km made more difficult by the 2700m of elevation gain and finished with a tough hilly marathon! 

As this was going to be a painful and emotional journey, I thought it would be nice of me to share this pain around,  eventually recruiting  2 not so willing volunteers who would also do the full Ironman in July.

Our team comprises of the Nolan brothers; me, Mike Nolan, my brother John Nolan together with an old primary school friend Peter McGrath AKA “Spoof”. Once the training had begun my two unwilling volunteers soon became quite scared at the daunting prospect that is Ironman UK!

As we all grow up the the local area around Francis House, and always being aware of its fantastic work, we thought it would be a great opportunity to raise some money for such a great cause.

A cause that relies on charitable donations with an annual target of £4.7 million each year to continue to provide long term support to the families in the greatest of need.

It is the thought of families struggling through unimaginable situations that really helps us as the training gets tough and will be a source of motivation come race day . 

Each of us have our own targets to reach for money raised, with mine being £10,000. This is a tall order but knowing the generous nature of the people I know and love, I’m sure we can achieve this together.  

I will keep swimming, riding and running if you will keep giving and help me reach this goal.

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