As the Strength & Balance Service Manager, I see first-hand the difference that can be made in people's lives by the work of Age UK Bolton. This independent local charity has had a transformative role in the lives of older people in Bolton, from keeping people moving and preventing falls, to post-discharge support, combating loneliness, and isolation, and helping older people claim the money they are entitled to.

As an independent charity, funding the work we deliver across the borough is always a challenge, so to be able to use the Iron Man event, which has become synonymous, with local people, in Bolton over the past few years is a great opportunity to help this great charity.

As somebody who has previously undertaken the challenges of marathons, half marathons, and other fitness events, the Ironman 70.3 will by far be my biggest challenge to date testing my endurance and versatility in taking on both the swimming and cycling portions of the event and will require a lot of hard work, discipline and dedication.

The event also gives me the opportunity to pay tribute to our colleague and friend, Jeanette Macmurray, who sadly passed away in November 2023. As our finance manager, she was always overjoyed to receive donations and had been very supportive in my previous endeavors to raise funds for the charity. Jeanette was very excited for me to take on such a challenge and will be with me on the day pushing me along.