Ian Conn
Ian Conn: Ironman!
Fundraising for The Yard
Story
- On 11 September, after 9 months of training, I competed in Ironman Wales. An Ironman is a long distance triathlon - a one day endurance event involving a 2.4 mile open water swim, a 112 mile cycle then a 26.2 mile marathon run. The course, and conditions on the day, were extremely tough. Out of 1,303 starters only 1,136 finished the event. I took 1h 11m for the swim, 7h 11m for the bike and 4h 03m for the run. My overall time of 12h 51m placed me around the top 40% - very happy!
- If you'd like to know more about the day, I've posted an event report on my triathlon club website (http://www.edinburghrc.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=13686.0).
- The first Ironman took place in Hawaii in 1978, after a debate about which athletes were the fittest: cyclists, runners or swimmers. It combined three existing long distance competitions: the Waikiki Rough Water Swim, the Around-Oahu Bike Race and the Honolulu Marathon. There are now 28 official Ironman events worldwide.
- I’m raising funds for Scotland Yard Adventure Centre. Established in 1986, the Centre is based at Canonmills in Edinburgh, near where I grew up. It supports children and young people with additional support needs to develop confidence and life skills through creative play sessions. As a result it provides hard-pressed parents with respite and a support network. It provides a service to local families, and also to special schools, holiday clubs etc throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. The Centre has an outdoor adventure playground, and an indoor centre (with play hall, art room, musical instruments, kitchen etc). The Centre got Excellent/Very Good grades after its latest Care Commission inspection in 2010 and staff were described as “dedicated, highly skilled and fully committed”. More info on the Centre's website at http://www.theyardscotland.org.uk/.
- I would hugely appreciate any donations to help the Centre.
- Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. JustGiving will never sell your details on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the Scotland Yard Adventure Centre and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on your donation (if applicable). So it’s an efficient way to donate. Justgiving does charge 5% as a fee, however, so if you'd rather donate cash please let me know.
- Alternatively you can donate by text message through JustGivingText. E.g. if you want to donate £5 simply text KJPE48 £5 to 70070. To donate more or less, just change the £ figure. The money will be added to your phone bill (or come straight off your balance, as applicable). You'll get a confirmation text back. You then have the option to send your address details so GiftAid is added. With text message donation apparently the charity gets 100% of the donation, whereas if you donate through the JustGiving website there's a 5% fee.