I am taking part in this triathlon in memory of my dear friend Penny Boylan who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in 2007. She passed away in 2014, aged just 31.

Penny raised over £400,000 for The National Brain Appeal. One of the many ways she raised money was through charity runs. She often asked me to join her, but sadly at the time I never felt I could meet the challenges of a race, it will always be something I regret. For those that don't know me, I have never been into sport, my last 'race' would probably be a school cross country run back in 1998!

I am now a mum and since having my two boys I have discovered that I am stronger than I realised, mentally and physically.  

So, here I am counting down the days to my first ever race and yes I've chosen to do a triathlon. I could have started with an easier race, but when two of my NCT mum friends said they were doing the Hever Castle Triathlon I just knew it was my time to stick my neck out and go for it.

This is for you Penny. You are always in my thoughts and you always will be.