For those of you who don't know we will be competing in a Sprint Triathlon on Sunday 2nd September 2007at Northcroft Leisure Centre, Newbury. Why? Good question. We've tried to give our reasoning below. The event consists of a 300m swim followed by a 22km cycle and finishes with a 5km run. We've also decided to compete in the event in an effort to raise money for two charities; money raised being split equally between them.

Steve's Message: My sister died of Leukaemia when I was 4 years old. Although I didn't really know much about it at the time I have seen and understood the effect this had on my parents as I've got older. They have carried out fundraising for the Anthony Nolan Trust in the past. I decided late last year it was about time i did something to help. January this year i weighed 28 stone. i made a promise to myself that i would be fit enough to compete in a Triathlon with an aim to complete in under 2 hours. So here i am, 10 stone lighter and swimming, cycling or running just about everyday and my name is on the entry list. All i need now is the sponsor money – that’s where YOU come in! I have been fortunate that i've had support from Mandy (the wife) - putting up with me dieting and training; Grant for coming out at all times of the day and night to train; Graham Kemp for helping with training, and setting me goals; Jackie Dinsdale for exerting enough 'thumb' pressure on Jon that he agreed to compete as well. I could go on...

Grant's Message: Steve suggested last September that we should enter the Newbury Triathlon. My initial response was in the form of several expletives which roughly translated to 'go away and don't be so silly'. He, however, was convinced that it was something he wanted to do and would provide a target for him to lose weight. For those friends of mine who haven't met Steve he used to be 28 stone. From January to May he has lost 10 stone which has taken phenomenal will power and determination. The least I could do was to provide him with my support on the exercise and training front We decide to try and raise some cash for a charity. I've chosen St. Michael's Hospice. They provide care and support for terminally ill patients. They provided excellent residential care and support forNanduring her final weeks of Cancer.

Jon's Message: I wanted to support Steve in his weight loss so I said I would do the Triathlon with him, to be honest I did not believe that he would be the weight he is now or that we would be competing (competing is the wrong word for me, surviving is more appropriate! I'll be the one in the Bart Simpson armbands). Steve has been really focused on the training and his determination has been amazing. any support would be appreciated - I am sure you agree both charities are very worthy.