In August 2024, our lives changed forever. My fit and healthy Dad and best mate Colin walked into Bedford Hospital A&E with a bad back, and whilst sitting in the waiting room, lost the use of his legs. After undergoing tests, we were informed that the paralysis was caused by a Metastatic Lesion on his spinal cord, a secondary cancer that was irreversible. Unfortunately, the cancer had spread to several areas of his body, and we were told that the cancer was incurable and there was no treatment available.

Despite this catastrophic diagnosis, Dad put up the most amazing fight. He was always full of optimism and tackled everything that was thrown at him with good grace and a smile. He never once lost the kind-hearted nature that had made him the man he was, and I had never been prouder of him, he was my hero!

We lost Dad in February 2025, and I knew I wanted to complete some kind of challenge worthy of his memory and raise as much money as possible for charity in his honour. So, when my old school mates said they were going to sign up to do Ironman Copenhagen 2026, I thought yes, that’s the one.

I am not your obvious Ironman athlete. A slightly too heavy rugby player, who has not swum properly since I was awarded my 200-meter badge in 1988, had never run much further than 10k, and the road bike I purchased 15 years ago was still in pristine condition with very low mileage. So, I knew this would push me to my physical limits, but I believed with the support of my family and friends, and with Dad sitting on my shoulder pushing me through the tough sessions, I would be able to do it, and on Sunday 16th August we will find out. My training started way back in September, and I can’t believe we are now just over 3 weeks away from the event, so time to raise some money!

My chosen charity is Ampthill vs Cancer. A local cancer charity that stand together in the fight against cancer. Ampthill vs Cancer is run by a group of local people who have all been touched by cancer, coming together with one purpose, to give back. Ampthill vs Cancer provides grants to local cancer charities and directly funds local initiatives to support those directly or indirectly affected by a cancer diagnosis. They organise local fundraising events including the Ampthill vs Cancer 5k, Charity Football Matches and Golf Days. For 2026 fundraising efforts, Ampthill vs Cancer structured its allocation to directly address both local needs and regional specialized care. The split dedicates 50% of the funds raised to its own community initiative and local grants program (which has previously supported local screening like prostate PSA testing), 25% to Keech Hospice Care in Luton/Bedfordshire for specialist palliative and end-of-life care, and 25% to the community-voted partner MOVE Against Cancer to support active rehabilitation and movement for people living with and beyond cancer.

So please dig deep and give what you can in honour of a great man, Colin Hill xx

#4COLBOY