Last year, we lost an incredible friend, Charlie York. He was only 20 years old. Charlie was a typical teenager who lived for the same things we all do. He never wanted pity; he just wanted to be treated like any other lad his age. But beneath that easy going exterior was a level of determination and grit that inspired everyone who knew him. Charlie pushed through the pain of Cystic Fibrosis every single day without complaint.

In his memory, I am taking on The Geordieman (Full Ironman Triathlon) on August 23rd in Newcastle. A 3.8km Open Water Swim onto a 180km Bike Ride and finally a 42.2km Full Marathon

I’m looking at 12+ hours of blood, sweat, and tears. But there is a massive difference between my challenge and Charlie’s: When I cross that finish line, I get to rest. For those living with CF, there is no finish line and there are no rest days.

I am 21 years old, nearly the same age Charlie was when he sadly died. At this age, we should be looking at the future with nothing but excitement. But for someone with CF, the future is a shadow. Imagine knowing from childhood that you might not make it past 25. Imagine a "stark reminder" every single morning that your lungs and digestive system are fighting against you. It isn’t just the physical toll of 40+ pills a day and endless physiotherapy, it's the mental and financial weight. It costs an average of £6,500 extra a year just to live with CF, a staggering burden for families already pushed to their limits.

I have been training harder than I ever thought possible for this race. When my legs scream and I want to quit at mile 20 of the run or have that lie-in, I’ll be thinking of Charlie’s grit. He didn’t have the choice to stop; I do.

I am doing this for Charlie, and for every family still fighting this relentless disease. Please, if you can, donate to help ease the burden whether it’s the price of a pint or a more significant gift, to help support more children and adults who suffer from this lifelong harsh disease to enable them to live a better life.