In 2019 I began a wellbeing journey to recovery, following a period of work-related stress.  Previously, I had never enjoyed exercise but was willing to try this if it was going to benefit my mental and physical health. I took on one challenge at a time. 

I started doing Parkruns despite being one of the last to finish, and gradually started to jog a few steps as well as walking.

In January I joined in with an initiative called Tri January and I attended some free coaching sessions at the Northants Tri club.  Here I was coached in how to do front crawl and was encouraged to swim more than one length without stopping. This summer, I started doing Open Water Swimming at Sywell Reservoir.

During lockdown I started cycling as my daily exercise and gradually built up my confidence in climbing hills on the bike instead of jumping off at the bottom! 

A year on into my journey, I am thankful to God that I am now feeling much fitter, healthier and happier. I have progressed from hating exercise to enjoying exercising each day as it boosts both my mental and physical wellbeing.

I am doing my Triathlon at Sywell Reservoir on Sunday 27 September at 8.00am.  My aim is pure and simply to complete the triathlon, whatever the time, and am doing it with full realisation that I am likely to be the last over the line. I hope that my story might encourage others to venture out and do something new.

I am fundraising for the Travers Foundation which supports young people’s development in sports and the arts.  It is a wonderful local organisation which believes in the potential of young people. We are grateful for the assistance of The Travers Foundation in supporting my son, Matthew to develop musical skills that will be essential for a future career in music.

 The triathlon will take the format of  750m swim, 12 mile bike ride and 2.8 mile run.  If the water quality is not adequate on the day, the triathlon will be 2.5mile run, 12 mile bike ride and 2.8 mile run

A little about the Travers Foundation:

When you were growing up, were your heroes’ sportsmen or women, actors or musicians? These role models provide real inspiration.Today to reach the peak in sport, the creative & performing arts, you need funding as well as lots of talent. Not everybody has financial support. Charities assist youngsters from all backgrounds fulfil their dreams.The Travers Foundation helps 13 to 30-year-olds improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts. We help local teams, groups and individuals to achieve their potential.