Hello and thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

It's been two years since I slipped into my marathon trainers to run the London Marathon.  I was relieved to finish in 3.26 and happy to call it a day.  Unfortunately my desire for challenges has been niggling in the back of my mind for some time.  Consequently I've not only entered the Virgin 2010 London Marathon, intending to complete in quicker than 3.26, but also plan to finish the UK Ironman Triathlon on 1st Aug 2010 in under 12.5 hours. 

The UK Ironman Triathlon is the ultimate test of endurance, with a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride (including 2500 metres of ascent), followed by a 26.2 mile marathon.  I've taken on both these challenges in an attempt to raise money for an extremely relevant charity to our island nation. 

Seafarers UK is a registered charity that supports people who have served at sea in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Merchant Navy and fishing fleets, and their dependants. The charity raises funds and gives grants annually to over 70 charities that work to improve the lives of these seafarers and their families.  Fishing, is the most dangerous occupation in the UK. On average there are 10 major accidents a month. 28 vessels are lost each year. This causes real hardship for families around the country: as well as suffering the pain of bereavement and incapacity, families lose their income and their role in the community.  Seafarer's does some great work to distribute charity to those that need help.  

Being brought up in Lowestoft, a coastal fishing town, I had much contact with the sea.  My father worked offshore in the Gas industry for 33 years, and my brother was a Royal Naval Officer.  Consequently, I recognise and respect the work our Seafarers complete.