Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On the 17th of May, I will start what will be the hardest, most physical challenge of my life as I swim, cycle and run (hopefully) 220km around the Ironman Lanzarote course, universally accepted to be one of the hardest in the world. This challenge has been on the bucket list for some time but it was after the passing of my friend, teammate and collegue, Bobby Hetherington, that I decided to get it done.

I first met Bobby at Stirling University where we were both Officer Cadets in the Officer Training Corps, where he excelled. Incidently we were both university club performance athletes and we would be in the gym at some ungodly hour being coached for our respective sports. It was here Bobby convinced me too try lacrosse which I soon started to love. Surrounded by a new team I played alongside Momo until graduating back in 2009. Momo went on to represent Scotland at Worlds and Euros and eventually took up the captaincy of the national side.

Momo continued with his military career having graduated himself and eventually elected to go on tour before attending Sandhurst to complete his training however tragically he was killed alongside two of his comrades in an IED explosion on the 30th April 2013.

I heard about the attack whist driving into work, I knew that it involved Bobbys regiment and felt sick to the stomach, it wasnt until I got home and had got hold of a mutual friend that I was informed that sadly he was amongst the fallen. 

For every life that has been sacrificed in Afghanistan throughout this conflict there are many many more that return home injured, and I have really felt the urge to 'do my bit' and help raise nessessary funds to ensure that they recieve the treatment and rehabilitation that they deserve. And to do so in Roberts memory would be an honour.

They say every cloud has a silver lining, I guess there is some truth to this, Ive started playing lacrosse again, even venturing to the mixed game and am surrounded by some great teammates. Its a great community to be involved in again and thats one that the like of Robert helped to create, and as a community he will never be forgotten.

May is fast approaching, and any donation, big or small is massively appreciated. Even if you cant afford to donate (times are tough!) come and join me with my training, get on your bike, come for a run or even don the goggles for a few lengths. Training on your own sucks and I have a lot to do!

Thank you! xx

  

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