Prompted by one of my oldest friends, Mike Nolan, during the summer of 2021, I reluctantly agreed to consider taking on the challenge of completing an Ironman.

No doubt linked to an impending mid life crisis and persuaded it was the thing to do in the year we turned 50, I thought why not, let's give it a go! 

Supported by my fantastic wife Nicky, I took the plunge in Sept 2021! Let the training commence.

Whilst fairly active and reasonably fit, I was/am under no illusion as to the challenge of swimming 3.9km in open water, cycling 112miles with 2500m of climbing and then tagging on a marathon at the end.

UK Ironman, Bolton, July 3rd 2022 - is recognised as one of the toughest Ironman courses. 

The training started in October, with Mike Nolan being chief coach and supporter. Four of us signed up to compete which is certainly helping with the training.

By March 2022 training is 10-14 hours training a week, at either end of the day and weekends, normally comprising of 3 swims, 3 runs and 3 bike rides plus strength and conditioning. You have 17 hours to complete the course on race day, my aim is simply to finish!

Whilst I've competed in several endurance events, this will be undoubtedly be the toughest physical and mental challenge I'll have undertaken so let's see how we get on!

As a father of two healthy, active and privileged boys I know how lucky I am and I would really like to do my small part in helping others and specifically children.

Having grown up in South Manchester, I am familiar with Francis House as it was close to where I attended secondary school, I believe 100% it is a really worthy cause to support.

Francis House supports approximately 2,000 people at any one time with respite care, homecare, sibling support, end of life care and emotional and bereavement support.

From its site in Didsbury, Francis House is a lifeline to more than 500 families from across Greater Manchester, providing high levels of clinical care to the families of children and young adults with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Children, young people and family members are welcomed into a friendly, home from home environment. The support they offer includes physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual care from a dedicated multi-disciplinary care team.  

They work with families from thirty seven Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). The Hospice is not part of statutory provision, the care provided is additional to that obtainable from the National Health Service.

The Hospice needs 4.7 million pounds in charitable donations each year to continue to provide long-term support to the families in greatest need.

One of Francis House's aims is to enable children, teenagers and young adults to live life to the full, often helping to fulfil dreams.

Many of these dreams are the kind of things most of us take for granted in our own lives, but are difficult to accomplish when coping with disability or illness.

Francis House along with other children’s hospices is at the forefront of specialist palliative care provision, caring for children with a wide variety of life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.