This September, Riath my boyfriend is taking on IRONMAN Wales in Tenby –regarded as one of the toughest IRONMAN events in the world.

For the past year, our lives have revolved around early mornings, long bike rides, endless training sessions, sore legs, and planning weekends around swimming, cycling and running. It's been a huge commitment. This training (IN THIS HEAT) is hardcore and Riath has had to make huge sacrifices. But but Riath wanted to take on this challenge for a cause that means so much to our family and we are proud (and we miss him!)

He is raising money for Spencer Dayman Meningitis Research, a small voluntary charity that funds research into meningitis, sepsis and associated diseases, raises awareness, and supports affected families.

This cause is deeply personal to us. My brother, George, died from meningitis when he was just 18 years old. Nearly nine years later, he is still missed every single day.

Many people think meningitis is a thing of the past, but sadly it isn't. Recent outbreaks, including those in Kent, show that meningitis continues to devastate lives and families across the UK. Research, awareness and prevention remain as important as ever.

We've known Steve Dayman for many years and have seen first-hand the incredible support he has given to families affected by meningitis, including our own. That's why we're proud to support this charity. With no paid staff, donations go directly towards helping fund vital research and ensuring that the work continues.

There is something particularly meaningful about this challenge taking place on *George's birthday weekend*. While most of us will be cheering from the sidelines, Riath will be attempting to swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and run a marathon. Frankly, he may have lost the plot.

If you're able to donate, we'd be incredibly grateful. Every pound will help support research that could save lives and spare other families from experiencing the loss that ours has.

And if you'd like to throw in an extra pound or two for the 10K I completed in May — which left me walking like I'd aged 40 years overnight and for which I completely forgot to set up a fundraising page — I won't argue.

Thank you for your support. It means more than you know.