I have worked as a veterinary surgeon for 8 years now since graduating from the University of Liverpool. My motivation to become a vet was to serve a community and work in animal welfare. As a vet remaining committed to my patients for long hours, weeks and years I have and seen in myself and in colleagues the gradual development of mental stress and strain. On a scale of experiences I have at best dealt with anxiety myself and at worst sadly lost a friend through suicide. I left vet school with a cohort of friends and colleagues who I know have also suffered similar difficulties and losses which unfortunately is too familiar in the veterinary community. Sadly there remains a stigma attached to mental health which makes it difficult for those in times of need to feel they can ask for help. Vetlife is an anonymous and free helpline run by the vets for vets. Having worked as a volunteer for Vetlife I have experienced the incredible efforts to which they go to help vets in their darkest hours. The charity relies on donations to continue to provide training for new volunteers, put on events to create awareness and run a website/email support service. 

On the 14th of July I will swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and then run 26.2 miles all in one day at the Bolton IronMan UK event.

How do you even start training for an IronMan? Well, it has not been easy over the last year preparing for this. I have tried and tested everything under the sun to try and get IronMan fit. Ultimately I have learnt to accept that most training sessions will be difficult and they will be a for an uncomfortably long time. Not only have I learnt that but without the support of my wife, friends and work colleagues supporting my IronMan mission this would not be possible. Thank you to all my long term supporters. Please give generously to help me keep going on the 14th July and cross the line in Bolton and become an Ironman. 

Find me on facebook for training and race updates at : 

https://www.facebook.com/thomas.hindley.3