Paul's Challenge Roth Page

Paul Boote is raising money for Depression Alliance

Participants: Paul Boote

Story

Thanks to everyone that supported me. I was extremely pleased with the amount of money raised and that is totally down to all of you that sponsored me, so thank you very much!

I am pleased to say that not only have Depression Alliance thanked me for the money which I raised they have also featured me in their Autumn magazine which was not only a surprise but a honour. It has restored my faith in the charity which I had previously not heard from since competing in the event.

Next year I have entered a Half Ironman in May as a 'warm up' for another full Ironman next November, I am planning to continue supporting Depression Alliance and hope that my followers will do the same.

Thanks again to everyone for the support and those that still wish to make a donation it is possible to do so.

Details of this years challenge can be found below:

Paul Boote, is competing in this year’s Challenge Roth, an Iron Man distance Triathlon competition, in aid of Depression Alliance, a national charity that offers information and support to those who suffer with depression.

Paul has never competed in an Iron Man competition, nor has he ever completed a marathon – which is just one part of the three-stage event that begins with a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike race and culminates in a 26.2 mile run.

Asked about his motivation to enter the race, Paul cites his experience of losing a close friend, Ian Gaughan, to depression just 2 years ago ago in a case which is still under review by his widowed wife’s legal counsel who are considering action against the NHS for negligence.

Paul says: “I believe Ian’s life could have been saved had he been given the counselling he needed. By supporting Depression Alliance, I hope to raise awareness that there is support available to those who are battling depression, so the tragic loss experienced by his family and friends doesn’t have to happen to anyone else.”

Paul's father has recently been diagnosed with depression highlighting the scale of this problem that effects so many people’s life. This was the final deciding factor when choosing the charity he wished to support for this event.

In preparation for the event, Paul has taken to a strict regime of exercise and regularly rides between 50 and 100 miles, but admits the biggest challenge he faces is keeping his mind focussed for fifteen hours - his personal target in which to finish the race.

Once complete, Paul has further aspirations to challenge himself for those battling with depression. “There are a few ideas going around, which may include a climb up Kilimanjaro, but I think I’m most likely to attempt the Chinese Iron Man competition, which is supposed to be the most difficult of all the Iron Man competitions, as it has a drop-out rate of around 50 per cent due to the extreme heat.”

In the next month, Paul aims to raise £1000 for Depression Alliance and hopes that his efforts will encourage further contributions to a cause that affects one in five people in the UK each and every day. If you have been touched by depression and wish to sponsor Paul, please make your donation through this website. Your kindness is most appreciated!

Details of the event can be found: http://www.challenge-roth.com/en/index.html