Thank you for coming this far!

It may not be an Ironman but it sounds (and feels!!) like a very long way to me!! I'm taking on this personal challenge to help raise money for Get Kids going. They are a national charity that help disabled kids and young people take part in sports that they would otherwise be unable to do, through the provision of sports wheelchairs and sports grants to help with their training, travel competition fes etc.

 In November, I was lucky enough to go to Florida to see the Ironman World Championships 70.3. I was touched by the story of a young guy called Rudy Garcia-Tolson,who raced that day alongside 1500 competitors. Rudy is a double amputee, born with rare, multiple birth defects.a combination of crippling Pterygium Syndrome, a clubfoot, webbed fingers on both hands, and a cleft lip and palate. His legs would not straighten from the knee and he was forced to crawl or push himself in a wheelchair. While other kids played outside, Rudy sat and suffered. He was an eager little boy trapped in an imperfect body. At age five, after 15 operations, he told his parents he wanted to move on: he would rather be a double amputee than continue to put up with what his life had become. He had both legs removed above the knee ... and he's never looked back.

 The loss of his legs marked the beginning of his life. When Rudy was eight years old, he told the world he would swim in the 2004 Paralympic Games. He was true to his word and brought home the Gold in the 200 Meter IM, while shattering the world record for his class.

It was Rodys story, and seeing him, with an incredible smile as he hopped on the bike, that has inspired me to raise money for this UK based charity, in the hope that I might be able to make a small differnce, and give disabled British young people, a chance, like Rudy had, to participate in sports, and realise their true potential.

So, I kindly ask you to sponsor me in the London Triathlon 2007. Anything you donate will make an amazing diffence, and will allow children and youngsters to compete, at any level, in their chosen sport.

Feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions: carli.jones@mac.com