In August I am doing an Ironman triathlon, which entails a 3.9km swim, 180km cycle and a marathon.  I've never done any of these disciplines individually and it’ll be back-to-back and in just 14 weeks’ time!  Free time is a rare commodity so don’t expect a blistering pace or a qualifying spot at Kona, but I promise to push as hard as I can in support of an incredibly important and personal cause.

I am raising money for a crisis center in South London, which is one of around 50 in the UK offering direct services and support to survivors of any form of sexual violence.  Highly qualified professionals provide trauma counselling to help people rebuild their lives and re-integrate with society, as well as legal support to someone going through the criminal justice system.  The center is currently seeing 150 women and girls, some as young as 5 years old, but have another 200+ on the waiting list.  I am also discussing non-fundraising opportunities to support the UK’s umbrella charitable organization, which provides guidance and collaboration across all crisis centers in England & Wales.

These charities struggle to raise public funding as, even in today’s modern society, people are reluctant to discuss the subject and therefore do not understand the endemic extent of the issue and the catastrophic impact it has on people’s lives.  Support offered by the NHS is negligible, poorly managed and ineffective.

If you would like to learn more about these charities, please see the following links: www.rasasc.org.uk / https://rapecrisis.org.uk/, or get in touch.

I am funding 100% of my race (as well as expensive swimming lessons to avoid drowning!) so all proceeds will go to this charity.

Many thanks for your support.

Rupert