I DID IT

15 HOURS 59 MINUTES 45 SECONDS

I AM AN IRONMAN!!!!

IRONMAN AUSTRIA 2009

SUNDAY 5^TH JULY

 

My self and fourteen other mad fools from Hereford Triathlon Club are taking part in the above event.

It involves a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride followed by a 26.2 mile run.  All to be completed within 17 hours.

After months of training we are nearly there.

This, for me, is major challenge, one probably never to be repeated.  Therefore I would like to take the opportunity to raise some money for charity.  The charity I have chosen is:

The Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund (M.K.M.R.F. charity no.326730)

This charity provides information and support to sufferers of mesothelioma and their families while raising funds for research into the disease.  Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that affects the lining of the lung or occasionally the abdomen caused by exposure to asbestos.  Mesothelioma has so far resisted treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  The disease can lay dormant for 40 years or more.  Not only has it found to affect mainly men who work in areas of high risk asbestos contamination but also their wives who have washed their overalls.  Exposure may take place at work, at home or even in schools. There is no minimum exposure to asbestos and it does not discriminate(M.K.M.R.F).

Tony Welch, my Dad, died of mesothelioma

aged 58.

 

He worked as a plumber and pipe fitter welder all is working life and so was exposed to high levels of asbestos, especially in the early years.  At the time of diagnosis as a family we received minimal information about the disease and the health carers were commenting on how rare it was. 

 

Presently 5,000 people a year will die of this disease in the This figure is estimated to rise to 10,000 per year by 2020. There are 33% more deaths attributed to mesothelioma than to cervical cancer (M.K.M.R.F.).

 

The Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund gives me the opportunity to create a Memorial Snowdrop Fund in my Dads name.  So now myself and my family can not only have a lasting tribute to him but also raise money that will go directly to mesothelioma research and support other sufferers and their families.

 

The snowdrop has been chosen as the emblem for this charity as it works hard through the depths of despair in the winter and come the spring it pushes through the ground as a beautiful flower – giving hope and promise to everyone who sees it (M.K.M.R.F.).

 

 

If you feel able to donate any amount towards this fund I would be so grateful.  However, by just sharing the information and increasing peoples awareness about this devastating illness is still a positive step.

 

 

Why not visit www.mickknightonmesorf.org to see Tony Welch’s Snowdrop fund and learn more about mesothelioma and the charity.

 

 

Thank you so much for taking time to read this and please think of me on the 5^th July.

 

 

I may never be the same again!!

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund. British Lung Foundation gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thank you for your support.