It was in the deepest darkest depths of the lockdown that the weight had started to go up. The winter lockdown had the potential to stop any exercise. My usual weekly rugby was out of the question, through both injury and COVID restrictions. The only thing I seemed able to do was run and cycle into work. Then an idea started to form. Triathlons to raise awareness (and funds) for horticultural charities.

Everyone has been hit by the COVID pandemic and horticulture, it seems, has had to cope with more than its fair share of challenges and changes in the last 18 months (and the goverment still seems to be throwing more at us). I count myself lucky to be working with such a hardy crowd. And although the challenges have been great the reward, as always in horticulture, is one born of nature. Apply this to both the body, mind and garden. There are two charities I find consistently inspiring - Perennial and Tree Aid.

Even the hardiest people need a helping hand occasionally, and that is where Perennial steps in by supporting those in horticulture needing help . They have recently started a survey to find out how to better target their help to horticulturalists. Take a moment to complete this survey if you work in hortivulsr and have ever felt the need for support. (https://perennial.org.uk/home/ways-we-can-help/survey/)

Tree Aid’s aim of teaching people in Africa how to use horticulture to earn themselves a living probides an enviromental and sustainable focus. When people are upskilled and encouraged to work for themselves, countries can become less dependent on aid and more self reliant.

Any donation to help either of these charities would be appreciated, and please help spread the word of what amazing work these two organisations do.

On top of my normal training two weeks ago I completed the Dorney Triathlon, 1300m swim, 40k ride and 10 k run.

Tomorrow (6th June) my aim is to complete the Alderford 1/2 Ultimate Triathlon. 2000m (1.2 mile) swim, 90 km (56 mile) ride, and 21 km (13.1 mile) run.

RESULTS are in.

37 Minutes for the swim - 3hrs 17 for the ride - 2hrs 30 for the run. - Total time 6hr 39 min.