On Friday 5th June a great friend, Chris Lewis lost his 3 year battle with bowel cancer. He was a fantastic husband to Ali, loving Father to Paddy and Evie, devoted son, brother and friend to many. He will be missed but not forgotten.

From the time of his diagnosis he'd remained positive, never losing his mischievous sense of humour even whilst tenaciously enduring the ardours of chemotherapy and major surgery. He coped with adversity in a manner that made us proud to know him. The team from Palliative care based at St Johns Hospice were paramount in achieving some control of the perpetual pain and mental anguish he suffered, particularly during the latter stages of his treatment and disease.

This is the reason that Ali and family have decided to fundraise for Wirral St Johns Hospice. Honourable mentions also go to Wirral Hospitals (particularly Ward 38) and Maggies who provided exemplary care and support to Chris and the family throughout the course of his illness.

Wirral Hospice St John's relies on donations and fundraising activities to help the charity keep caring for patients and their loved ones at a time of most need. Thank you for your kind support.

What's happening?

Chris was a keen cyclist and triathlete, devoted Evertonian and sports fan. We got to know each other through Merseytri and his wife Ali who I worked with at Arrowe Park.

For many years I've dealt with stress/grief/anger etc... by torturing myself physically. This year is no different and a few endurance challenges are planned. I hadn't planned to seek sponsorship but Chris's untimely passing has provided some focus and a reason to press on in his memory, with the prospect of raising some much needed funds for a charity that helped him so much and was dear to his heart.

I'm planning:

Ironman Tours (France) 14/6/26

Rustman (Wirral to Holyhead) 3/7/26

Cotswolds 70.3 12/7/26

Banyoles Middle Distance European Championships (GB) 19/7/26

Mersey Swim 1/8/26

Ironman England (Leeds) 16/8/26

Hellespont Europe to Asia Swim 30/8/26

Challenge Almere (Holland) European Long Distance Champs (GB) 12/9/26

Ironman Italy 19/9/26

Ironman Australia 18/10/26

Lanzarote Ultra Triathlon 13/11/26

World Long Distance Champs- Abu Dhabi 22/11/26 (GB)

(Doubtful of attendance due to current troubles in the area)

Hopefully you will consider donating a small amount to bring some positivity out of a tragic situation. Thank you for taking the time to read through this message x

Best wishes

Martin