Thanks for taking the time to visit my Just Giving Page.

On 21st June 2025, I’ll be taking part in the Abersoch Sprint Triathlon and in doing so, I’ll be raising funds for a charity close to mine and my families’ hearts, Ronald McDonald House.

On 5th May 2015, we sadly lost my beautiful niece Keira, who was much loved by all and this year quite unbelievably marks 10 years. Ronald McDonald House offers families a chance to stay close to their child whilst receiving treatment at Alder Hey hospital, offering families peace of mind in proximity and a 'home away from home'. I can’t even begin to explain how valuable this was to us when Keira was in hospital. Without this resource, we wouldn’t have been able to be as close to her and support one another as a family, and I can’t imagine what it would have been like any other way. The support of Ronald McDonald House is invaluable, and in raising funds, we can ensure other families continue to receive this same level of support.

So why a sprint triathlon?

A sprint triathlon has been a sporting challenge I’ve been interested in for some time now, yet never actually brave enough to commit too. However, with a greater focus on my health and fitness this last year, I thought, let’s do this! In fact, I knew it was time, when I shared my idea with my Nan and she said, ‘Oh good, I’m glad you’re finally doing it’. So, in November 2024, I tentatively joined a swimming class to improve my technique and thought if I could do that then game on! 4 weeks later, I was signed up to the triathlon and I must say, I have absolutely loved the whole experience since - the good the bad and the ugly!

Whilst it is a solo challenge, I couldn’t have got this far without my army of helpers, and I would like to say a massive thank you for helping me get triathlon ready this last 6 months;

- Anna at Guinea Gap baths, for believing in me from the beginning. Anna’s classes have been a key part of my training, with me now swimming in good form, building endurance and stamina week on week.

- Sonia Carty, Wirral Council, and Vice-chair at MerseyTri, for being my unofficial coach throughout. I contacted Sonia, with ambition but no idea how to begin. Sonia jumped straight in, helping me calve out that plan, checking in, pulling me up when it felt a little overwhelming and cheering me on when I’ve progressed to the next stage of the plan.

- Mike at We Swim Run, Princes Dock Liverpool, for supporting me in open water swimming – yes, the challenges keep on coming!

- Energise Cycles, Wirral, for kitting me out with a bike! Again, no clue what I wanted, but knew what I needed it for, and time was of the essence given it was March by this point!! I’d recommend Energise Cycles to anyone looking for a bike, service or advice.

- My family, for being my biggest cheerleaders, but more so for their support in training with me! My boys and David cycle, cycle whilst I run, and swim alongside me whenever possible and it’s made for such a great experience.

- My mum, for being my swimming buddy. Initially I set out on this alone, and as time went on, we started syncing our swims which was brilliant as we got to progress and celebrate those wins together, like our first open water swim! We talk nothing but tri related stuff and she never gets bored – super star!

- The Runna app for getting a very bad runner running!

Thank you for reading my story and showing your support for such a valuable cause x