Hi All,

I am a sucker for a challenge and to find new limits but this time this has been met by those that know me well as truly the most insane, stupid and idiotic but here goes!

As many people are aware that despite this time last year thinking a half IM / Middle distance triathlon event (1.2mile Swim/56mile bike/13.1mile run) was a crazy idea as I couldn’t swim 100m front crawl never mind 1900m in any stroke but I managed that distance not only once but then again 9 weeks after. So where does one go from there - I sometimes shock myself with my stupidity and 2018 has become Ironman Year at IM Bolton.

For those that are unaware a Full Distance Triathlon or widely known as the Ironman distance is:

2.4miles Open Water Swim

112miles on the bike

26.2miles (marathon) running

All to be completed within 17 hours - Simples!!

I have decided that this is a challenge that I should raise some money for a charity. I have paid all my entry fees and therefore the charity will just receive the money and nothing to assist me. The Charity I have chosen is Fresh Start - New Beginnings ( www.fsnb.org.uk ) these are a small charity that work in Suffolk and Norfolk working to provide a therapeutic service for children and young people up to 21 years who have reported being sexually abused and to offer support for their families. I am unaware of any other agency or charity that work with victims in these counties as many focus on perpetrators and reducing reoffending.

As I say they are small and my hope is through my pain I can help to heal the suffering of these most vulnerable children.

As many know I am a qualified social worker and work in the family courts as a Children’s Guardian but have spent time working in this area providing therapeutic work and this is such an amazing charity, working with a taboo subject that is hard to accept is an issue.

Thanks for reading this.

Dave