I had wanted to do an Ironman 70.3 triathlon (consisting of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile cycle and 13.1 mile run) for a while having been inspired by family and friends to challenge myself. My inspiration quickly changed when my close friend Rachel was suddenly diagnosed with two primary cancers in 2021, one of which is an incurable type of brain cancer (grade II astrocytoma). I realised entering the IRONMAN 70.3 Italy Emilia-Romagna was an opportunity to raise as much money as possible for a charity which does incredible work to support people in her position. Her unbelievable bravery and grace during this unimaginably difficult time never fails to spur me on with the extra motivation needed to get out of bed onto the training bike! The triathlon is due to take place on 18 September this year. 

Rachel underwent awake brain surgery in December 2021 and has fortunately recovered well but there is no cure for the recurrence of this tumour. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other type of cancer, but research in this area is very poorly funded. As things stand, once Rachel's tumour recurs she will have very limited treatment options.

For this reason, her family and friends are raising money targeted at clinical research, in particular for the National Brain Appeal. We know that their fundraising makes a difference - they established the UK’s first dedicated Brain Tumour Unit and the first dedicated ward for brain tumour patients called the Molly Lane Fox Unit where Rachel had her brain surgery. They also funded the UK’s first interventional MRI scanner. Without this type of scanner, Rachel would not have had access to the type of operation that she had in December.

We have agreed with the charity that any funds raised from this Ironman will be ring-fenced for clinical trials being carried out by Dr Paul Mulholland, an oncologist at UCLH, to explore the effectiveness of immunotherapy as a treatment for glioblastomas. He recently completed the most significant clinical trial for brain cancer in decades and he is fundraising to carry out further trials later in 2022. We want to contribute to that effort.

My Dad and friends Milly, Libby and Georgia are also taking part and are raising money for this cause (thank you!).

Any donations big or small are much appreciated!