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On 14th June I am taking part in the Celtman Triathlon in the Torridon area of Scotland's North West Highlands. Widely recognised as the toughest long (ironman) distance triathlon in the UK, it starts with a 3.4km cold water (c.11 deg C) Atlantic sea loch swim where jellyfish are more numerous than swimmers, followed by an exposed bike ride of 200km around a stunning section of the North Coasts 500. It finishes with a mountain marathon and with some luck summitting the two munros of Beinn Eighe.

Typically only 200 competitors make the start line, the small size largely a function of limited infrastructure and hazardous conditions up the mountain. Each competitor brings their own dedicated support crew to help them through the day and run with them. The event captured my attention many years ago and after multiple years of failing to get through the ballot I have been successful this year. The goal has driven me through hours of training over the last six months and motivated me in more ways than I can describe, while balancing family and work life.

Clearly I am in a very fortunate position to be able to enjoy this form of type 2 fun. Many people are far less fortunate and as part of this event I would like to do some fundraising for Launchpad Reading (https://launchpadreading.org.uk/) who are the leading homelessness charity in Reading, focusing both on supporting homeless people and preventing those on the brink from becoming homeless. In the financial year 2023/24, they supported over 1,800 individuals:

- 1,141 where supported by their drop-in service, where local people can turn up at their office and get free and confidential advice on any housing or financial issue.

- 248 people were supported by their floating support service, receiving longer term support and advice by the team

- 13 people were supported with resettlement support

- 167 people were supported by their supported housing and removals service

- 233 people were supported by Launchpad 135 – their work and life skills centre

If you can help me support this fantastic cause, I will be very grateful.

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