On 16th July, George Campbell and James Kelway-Bamber will embark on a Half Iron Man Triathlon, in Weymouth. This will entail a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run to finish. At first glance we can hear the questions: Why on earth? Why not just a half marathon or even a marathon? Well I suppose that yes, the task before us is a formidable one, however when it comes to the motivation for doing it, it’s pretty simple really.

Mental Health. To me this was something that didn’t exist, it was a myth. How could someone not be mentally healthy? How could someone not simply feel happy all the time? Why would you worry about something so trivial and seemingly so straightforward to fix? These are questions that as individuals and families, more and more of us are having to ask ourselves, and for all the right reasons.

In the summer of 2015, Alice K-B was diagnosed as Bipolar. To summarise briefly, this is a condition which is characterised by significant mood swings including manic highs and depressive lows. To fast forward two years, following an initial period in hospital of 2 months, Alice has not only returned to being a teacher at Berkhamsted School, she has also started her own business where she designs and sells dungarees, hats and rucksacks, predominantly during the summer festival season. Without wanting to be too nice to her (because that’s not what brothers are for), to see the way in which she leads her life today is remarkable. 

To continue to achieve with so many odds stacked against you is something that has inspired all those who know you, and without doubt, has made a bit of a swim, a few pedals on a bike and a plod round the streets of Weymouth seem microscopic in comparison. 21% of people with a long-term mental health condition are in employment, so of course two jobs was the obvious option Alice!

We hope to raise as much money as we can for Bipolar UK.  They are the
national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with the much misunderstood and devastating condition of bipolar, which includes running a program of classes twice a month which Alice attends. We'd really appreciate your support, and if you are able to spare any amount, that would be enormously appreciated. Oh, and if you’ve read this far, then thank you for sticking with us! 

#halfaniron

James and George