I've put off starting this page for so long, trying to figure out what to say to explain the situation and why I'm raising money. Training for an Ironman gives you a lot of time to think — 24,421 minutes, or 407 hours, or 16.95 days (so far). So, to be honest, I think I just need to keep it brief.

The first time I did a half Ironman I did it to raise money for a cancer charity in honour of my mum. Who had breast cancer when we were kids and went on to make a full recovery.

This time, I'm doing a full Ironman and raising money again for a cancer charity, but now in honour of my younger sister Katie, who's been receiving treatment for breast cancer over the past 18 months.

There's so much more I could say or tell you, but no one has the time or desire to read a long sob story. If you do want to know more, I'll happily tell you about it over a pint.

I know the target is high. I know it's a cost-of-living crisis and I know you've probably already sponsored a hundred people this year. But if you can give a quid or a tenner, it doesn’t matter—every little helps.

This challenge is the hardest thing I've ever taken on, both mentally and physically, and it would mean so much more if you could help me help others. Your support will give them the best possible chance of beating cancer and getting the treatment and care they need.

Thanks,

Si

P.s

"An ironman is a triathlon consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.2 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.2 km) run completed in that order, a total of 140.6 miles (226.3 km). It is widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world." - Wikipedia

The charity Katie has chosen is Friends of Anchor.

Friends of Anchor is a local Aberdeen based charity which serves the North East of Scotland with a focus on supporting Research, providing Equipment, and improving Wellbeing of those who have been impacted by cancer.

Uniquely, every penny of every pound donated to Friends of ANCHOR goes to the cause because their administration costs, including the salaries of the six fundraising team members, are fully covered by Aberdeen company Balmoral Group - as they have been since the charity was founded.