Taking on the Himalayan XTri to fund life-changing sensory equipment for Park Lane Special School

#Shadows2Giants

In May 2027, Brett and Oliver will take on the Himalayan XTri — an extreme triathlon at altitude — in a bid to raise £100,000 for Park Lane Special School. This campaign is about more than one day: it's an 18-month journey of preparation, resilience, and community effort leading up to the start line.

Park Lane Special School, in Macclesfield, supports around 150 children with complex and profound medical needs. Every available learning space has already been utilised and is now oversubscribed. We want to fundraise to provide specialist mobile facilities containing sensory spaces and equipment that will give vital support for pupils. These spaces will offer stimulation, relaxation, and comfort; help develop communication and motor skills; provide moments of calm for children to regulate; and create opportunities for participation and inclusion — increasing access across the school to these vital services.

Oliver is a teacher at Park Lane and the school's Physical Education Lead. Once a Royal Marine, he now takes on what is arguably a harder and more gruelling role — teaching, leading, and championing the children in his care. His continuous and relentless support for the school and its pupils makes it no surprise that he stepped forward for this challenge. Brett retired from competitive triathlon in 2022, and by 2027 will be fast approaching 50. Age is slowly creeping up on both of us — and one of the biggest challenges over the next 18 months will be getting fit, staying injury-free, and simply making it to the start line in one piece.

Holding the whole thing together is the support crew, led by Craig — Brett's younger, and clearly more intelligent, brother — who has somehow agreed to be part of an endeavour like this (again…)!

The question is: will Brett and Oliver have the stamina and grit to beat the clock and reach High Camp at 3,500m? Or, with the wind behind them and a small miracle on their side, can they push on to the pinnacle and highest point in World Triathlon — the ViewPoint at 4,000m?

Having been fortunate with many opportunities, we want to give something back — standing alongside Park Lane Special School and the registered charity FOPLSS in their extraordinary work. But we cannot do this alone. We need support not only through donations, but also from experts, partners, and all those who can help us build momentum over the next 18 months. If you think you could help — by providing support, spreading the word, or offering to be a corporate sponsor — please reach out and get in touch.

Our target is £100,000 — but every single pound raised brings us closer to life-changing equipment for these children. Together, we can turn shadows into giants. Together, we can bring light, comfort, and opportunity into the daily lives of those who need it most.

From life's toughest challenges to the world's highest peaks — #Shadows2Giants

https://www.shadows2giants.com/