Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 

This year will be my biggest challenge EVER!! I will be doing Austria Ironman 140.6 miles, which is a Triathlon, starting with a 2.4 miles open water swim in a nice lake, followed by 112 miles bike around the beautiful hills of Austria, finishing with 26.2 miles run, yes a Marathon around the outskirts of the lake, all within 17 hours! 

To begin with, I intended to do this as a personal challenge to up the ante, after previously completed the Staffordshire Ironman 70.3 last year, but after considering the massive challenges ahead, I have instead decided to do this in the name of charity and after giving it much thought, I have settled upon supporting a cause which is close to my heart and I hope that you will join me in supporting my charity of choice. 

The day in which I compete just so happens to coincides with Joanne Tully Birthday, both she and I are 40 this year! Joanne is my oldest and dearest friends. Tragically her daughter Bethany was diagnosed with a  complex form of Neurofibromatosis type 1, (NF1) two and half years ago, and both her and her husband have explained to me just how much of a godsend/lifeline the charity has been which helps support her daughters condition, so I would like to dedicated my participation in this competition to them and help raise awareness of this condition and raise some funds for the charity along the way. 

Without all of the support the effects on patients and families can be devastating, more so because you are unlikely to have heard of NF before diagnosis and wouldn't know where to find help.

The Neuro Foundation vision is to improve the lives of those affect by Neurofibromatosis, please help me raise as much as possible to help support research into prevention and treatment, while raising awareness for this amazing charity which is a massive helpline to so many patients and families. 

Bethany is doing well at the moment, she has fantastic parents and support, my training is going well, I am lucky to have brilliant coaches and support which make Anything Possible! 

Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated by myself and Bethany 

Further info on the condition can be found below. 

NF1 is a genetic disorder of nerve tissue affecting 1 in every 2,500 people worldwide - some 25,000 in the UK. Half of those effected occur in families with no previous history of NF1.  

The severity of NF varies from person to person and some may live a normal life, many others have multiple, medical, physical and psychological complications and as yet, there is no cure. 

possible complications - Benign (non cancerous) skin lumps (neurofibromas) - Large disfiguring benign tumours - tumours on the nerves of sight - curvature of the spine - brain and spinal tumours, internatal tumours. - Increased risk of epilepsy - Malformation of the long bones (pseudarthorosis) this cause problems for children's leg development and may result in operations or amputation - Learning difficulties/behavioral problems, that can lead to social isolation - speech problems. 

website: www.nfauk.org 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NeuroFoundation

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.