I lost my dad, Gary King, to a rare form of vasculitis in 2000, two weeks before my third birthday. In his memory, I will be attempting to complete a full-distance IRONMAN triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run) to raise money for Vasculitis UK who work to support those with vasculitis, their families and also to fund ongoing research into the causes and treatment of these diseases.

In the Summer of 1999 Gary was diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis (now known as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis - GPA) which is a rare form of vasculitis with no known cause. GPA can be difficult to diagnose due to many of its symptoms mimicking less severe illnesses - for example, a runny nose, sore joints, and tiredness. Although there is no cure, a combination of chemotherapy and steroid treatment has enabled many GPA patients to live with the disease. Sadly, my dad had a particularly aggressive form of the disease which resulted in major organ failure. He passed away in March 2000. Unlike other types of vasculitis, there is no single test to diagnose GPA. Raising awareness and funding research into the disease is vital to ensure that cases are recognised early in order to maximise the chances of successful treatment.

My dad was a charismatic and optimistic individual who was never daunted by a challenge. In a life cut short, he married my Mum and had three wonderful children (I may be biased here), managed to sail across the Atlantic with my godfather, Kim and found great success as a Property Developer in London and Sussex, where he undertook projects which others shied away from. A memorial plaque stands to Gary at Clink Wharf in Southwark, where his vision and determination has had a lasting impact on the area. 

The sudden loss of a loving husband and father at such a young age has always been incredibly difficult for my family. Gary was a brave man who battled his illness until the very end, and it was his wish that everything possible be done to learn more about this cruel disease. I cannot imagine the pain he went through in his losing fight to vasculitis and the realisation that he would not see his wife and three young children again.

The IRONMAN totals 140.6 miles. My target of £2,800 equates to £20 per mile. If you are able to, please consider donating whatever you can to support this cause – it would be hugely appreciated by my family and all those who have suffered with vasculitis or have lost loved ones.

If you are interested, please find more information about vasculitis and the charity below: 

https://www.vasculitis.org.uk/about

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/granulomatosis-with-polyangiitis/

https://www.vasculitis.org.uk/about-vasculitis/gpa-granulomatosis-with-polyangiitis