Thank you for taking the time to visit our just giving page.

We have decided to do a full distance triathlon also known as an Ironman, this consists of a 2.4 mile open water swim, a 112 mile bike ride and then finished off with a marathon all within 17 hours.

We will be doing this to raise money for the Emily Ash Trust. The Emily Ash Trust is a small charity with a really big heart, who are 100% volunteer run. The charity’s primary aim is to help and support families who have a child, teenager or young adult living with cancer, with the aim to provide families quality time together, where they aim to build lasting happy memories.

A little bit about each of us.

Alex

Hi I’m Alex, I am one of the EAT’s Trustee’s. I have been with the Emily ash trust since 2008 and have seen the amazing things that the charity do first hand; pamper days for the parents, sibling days, family days, winter wonderland, build a bear events, and everything in-between!

I have decided to take on this challenge after finding out that one of my young family members has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). After finding this out I wanted to do everything I could to help and this news made me more determined to push harder than ever to raise money and awareness to help support children and the families we do though this amazing charity.

I realised in order to raise the maximum amount of money I need the challenge to be a tough one and thought this will tick all the boxes especially as I haven’t done any real cardio since 2009, we are all in a very similar position when it comes to fitness however, being joined by two friends I fully believe that we can push through the pain and training to get this challenge completed.

Neil

I’m Neil and in 2026, I’ll be taking on the ultimate challenge, an Ironman, to raise money for the Emily Ash Trust, a small but incredible charity that supports children and families affected by cancer, helping them create lasting memories during unimaginably difficult times. Over the years, I’ve attended their annual charity balls and seen first-hand what amazing work they do. When Alex shared the heart-breaking news that a young family member of his had been diagnosed with leukemia, I knew it was time to do more. Together with Alex and Grace, I’ve committed to this challenge in the hope of raising as much as possible for this vital cause.

Cancer has touched so many of us in some way. Having lost my mum to cancer at the age of 11 and seen close family members endure gruelling treatment, I know how hard it can be and I can’t begin to imagine the courage it takes for children and their families to face it head-on.

Right now, my fitness isn’t exactly Ironman-ready. I’ve done a couple of cycles to France in the past, but I was much younger and fitter then! Swimming the 2.4 miles is definitely my biggest fear, as my experience is limited to the occasional holiday paddle. But with Alex, Grace, a solid training plan, and your encouragement, I’m determined to push through the pain and cross that finish line.

Your support means the world to me, and every donation will make a real difference to families facing cancer. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Grace

I am Grace, Alex’s younger sister and I’m taking on the Ironman challenge because when Alex asked me, I couldn’t say no. First because he wouldn’t let me but more importantly because I’ve seen how much help and encouragement the Emily Ash Trust gives to children and their families during the most heartbreaking of times. In addition, I’ve also seen how much hard work and time Alex and the other trustees put into this incredible charity.

I’ve only really started cycling at the start of this year so I’m quite terrified to take on the cycle, let alone running a marathon after it. But I’m sure after a 3800m swim it’ll all be fine. Ha.

But in all seriousness, I feel extremely grateful that I had the time, ability and opportunity as a child to go to swimming lessons and attend athletics. These are very basic things but unfortunately, some children - with their parents, spend most of their days, weeks, months and years, in and out of hospital, physically and mentally fighting extremely painful treatment. I’ll be thinking of how easy I’ve got it compared to them to keep me going.

Your donation helps give families time and the opportunities to have trips together, for everlasting, happy memories.

Thank you for taking the time to read our stories, any donation no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated.

You can follow our training journey on the Emily Ash Trust website and social media where we will post regular updates.