This August, we'll be taking on the Copenhagen Ironman - a major test of endurance, determination and resilience.

As dentists at Union Quay Dental on North Shields Fish Quay, we're used to helping people face challenges every day, but this one is unlike anything we've attempted before.

On race day, we'll swim 3.8km, cycle 180km and then run a full marathon of 42.2km. It's a challenge that will test us physically and mentally, pushing us far beyond our comfort zones.

Both of us have completed Half Ironman events before, but this will be our first full-distance Ironman. The training has already involved countless early mornings, long bike rides, hours in the pool and plenty of tired legs. Fitting more than ten hours of training each week around busy careers, family, friends and everyday life hasn't always been easy, but we know the challenge will be worth it.

We're not doing this just for the finish line.

We're taking on this challenge to raise money for The Percy Hedley Foundation, a North East charity that supports children, young people and adults with disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives. Every donation will help the Foundation continue its vital work across our region.

Knowing that our efforts can help support the Foundation's vital work has given every training session an even greater purpose. When motivation dips and the alarm clock goes off before sunrise, it's a reminder that this challenge is about something much bigger than us.

Over the coming months we'll continue to push ourselves through every swim, ride and run as we prepare for Copenhagen.

If you're able to support us, we'd be incredibly grateful. Every donation, no matter how large or small, will help The Percy Hedley Foundation continue its life-changing work across our region.

Thank you for supporting us on this journey.

Kathryn Eccles & Jamie Dury, Union Quay Dental

North Shields Fish Quay.