Iain Berthinussen
Sprint triathlon a day for 20 days
Fundraising for Cahonas Scotland
Story
My Story
At the start of August 2021 I felt a lump, I felt some pain and I knew something was not right.
After speaking to my doctor, I was promptly sent for an ultrasound and was back at my doctors that same day, I had testicular cancer.
The diagnosis was confirmed a week later by my consultant and after a week of isolating, I was on the operating table. I was told that the operation had been a success and the cancer had been removed.
A dose of chemotherapy later I am now "cancer free".
I am lucky. We caught the cancer early.
The NHS jumped into action unbelievably quickly. They did an incredible job, 20 days later it was mostly over.
* Testicular cancer is rare, but the most common cancer in men aged between 15 and 49. Men in their early 30s are the most likely to get it.
* Survival for testicular cancer is very high; it is one of the most treatable types of cancer. Nearly all men survive their disease.
* But most men don't know how to, or simply don't, check themselves so may not catch it early enough. It is quick and easy to do, and it could save your life.
My Goal
To raise awareness of Testicular Cancer, how important it is for men to check themselves, and if they feel something unusual seek help. I also want to raise funds to aid research and awareness of this disease through the Cahonas Scotland Charity.
My Challenge
Complete a sprint triathlon a day for the first 20 consecutive days of August, the same length of time from my diagnosis to operation.
A sprint triathlon consists of a 750m swim, a 20km cycle, and a 5km run. This amounts to 15,000m of swimming, 400km of cycling, and 100km of running over 20 days. Some days I'll be completing all three in one go as you would in an actual event. Other times I'll be staggering around work, family and other commitments. But every day I will swim 750m, cycle 20km and run 5km.
I am not a typical triathlete - a 95kg, ex-rugby player with a body in bits. But I'm giving it a go because I think it is important.
If you do too, please feel free to support me and the work done by Cahonas Scotland by donating.
Or get in touch, come along, and join me for a swim, cycle or run.
Follow my progress on Strava (https://www.strava.com/athletes/15882997)