London Triathlon 5th August 2006

Ashley Winters & Robert Handy

Alfie was born on 3rd October 2005 at Worcester Royal Hospital.

He was diagnosed with acute Myeloid Leukaemia at 10 weeks old and has spent almost all of his young life in WARD 15 (Haematology / Oncology unit) of Birmingham Children's Hospital with his Mum Dionne and Dad Anthony.

The Prognosis is that he has a 50 - 50% chance of long term survival. He has undergone 3 of 4 chemotherapy sessions which have made him very ill and meant that he has had to spend a lot of time in intensive care. Alfie is being very strong and brave and is fighting the disease all the way.

Alfie is one of many children on WARD 15, all of whom are fighting the same disease. The amazing thing about all of these children is how happy and positive they are even with the constant pain of treatment.

Rob and myself are a little out of shape to say the least, and having a friend who is linked so closely to Alfie, has made us realise just how lucky we are, which is why we have signed up for and started training for The Michelob ULTRA London Triathlon on 5th August 2006. The Triathlon comprises of: 750m swim, 20K bike and 5K run.

Training and diet have really kicked in over the last month and we are now in the gym 4-5 times a week and eating sensibly. (oh what fun lunch times are now) With the three different disciplines requiring many different muscles were trying to mix the training and get out on the road for a run or bike ride as much as possible. As the swim in the race will be in docks we are waiting till the weather warms up a bit before we go splashing around in the sea, so it's all in the pool at the moment.

This is going to be a major challenge for us but nothing in comparison to what Alfie, his family and the other children on WARD 15 have been through. We are trying to raise funds to improve the first class care that the children are receiving and make their time in WARD 15 as comfortable as possible.

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor us online.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Birmingham Children's Hospital Charities will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor us now!

Many thanks for your support.

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Birmingham Children's Hospital Charities will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.So please sponsor me now!Many thanks for your support.

Ash & Rob