On June 22nd 2019, I will be competing in my first Olympic Distance Triathlon. I will be swimming 1.5km through Rutland Water's duck poo, cycling 42km and probably walking 10km at the Dambuster Triathlon.

All in aid of the world renowned Oncology Unit at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham.

At a young age, my mum had an Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer usually seen in teenagers. Thanks to this life saving pioneering unit, she was one of the first recipients of the titanium prosthetic leg replacement instead of a limb amputation. Early diagnosis is critical to prolong the survival rate. However, due to the lack of awareness of the symptoms, pain and swelling is sometimes put down to growing pain until the tumour is the size of a grapefruit. A golf ball size is much more operable. 

The unit does not receive the size of donations given to the high profile Teenage Cancer Trust, for example, yet develops life saving procedures for teenagers such as my mum. Although she had to forego her dream of a sporting career (and puts airport security in a frenzy!), she's still our superwoman!!

This is a fund close to our family and any donations, however small, to help reach my target (and the finish line) to support this worthy Unit, would be greatly appreciated. All donations will be sent directly to the Oncology Fund at ROH, Birmingham.

Thank you for your generosity,

Sophie x

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