Mark Hemsley
Please join me in supporting the Awyr Las Cancer Appeal
Fundraising for Awyr Las Gogledd Cymru - Blue Sky North Wales
Story
2022: The Double Brutal
I am proud to be fundraising this year for Awyr Las (Blue Sky) Alaw Ward. The personal challenge I’m undertaking is described more as a life experience than an event; an extreme triathlon titled simply as ‘The Double Brutal’ and run by Brutal Events. More on the event itself later, because most important is the why behind the attempt...
Why take this challenge on?
Those that know me well will be familiar with my propensity to bite off more than I can potentially chew, but always with an enthusiastic desire to explore what might be possible. And with one of the toughest triathlons in the world on our stunning Snowdonia doorstep, it seemed only polite to have a go…
On a deeper level, since losing my father to cancer in 2012, it’s been important since to do what I can to support cancer related health services, knowing all too well the lasting impact cancer has on individuals and their nearest and dearest.
Earlier this year we had the devastating news that my mother-in-law, Mary, had been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, so this adventure is dedicated to Mary, with the fundraising going to support cancer services in recognition of all the essential care provided to Mary and, sadly, many other people and families in similar circumstances.
A little bit about Mary Davies MBE
Mary is a remarkable lady, born in Mid Wales and raised in North Wales, she remains totally dedicated to her family. Still working for BT at a youthful 75 years young Mary is BT’s longest serving colleague, having clocked up an astounding 55 years of service across a distinguished career. That dedicated service led to Mary being recognised in the Queens Honours list in 2021, due to receive an MBE for her work supporting the Emergency Services
Due to undergoing various operations and chemotherapy this year Mary has had to postpone the ceremony several times, but we are hopeful for attending Caernarfon Castle in late September 2022 to witness Mary receive the award. Mary has defied all the odds this year and her family couldn’t be prouder of how she has endured all with inspiring stoicism and positivity.
What is The Double Brutal?
The Brutal Triathlon (accurately labelled) is renowned for being a unique long course triathlon set in the beautiful, but challenging, Snowdonia mountain range. The Double Brutal, as the name may elude to, is a double ironman distance.
To complete the double entrants will;
*Swim 4.8 miles - in Llyn (Lake) Padarn *Cycle 232 miles - 8 times around a 28 mile loop of Snowdon *Run 52 miles - starting with a run up and descent down Snowdon, finishing the event with 8 times 5.2 mile laps around Llyn Padarn
Writing this a couple of weeks out from the event I am feeling very grateful, firstly, to be fit and healthy enough to even attempt this, and secondly, to have family and friends willing to support me through it (they’ve also endured the long training hours and constant eating…).
I’ll give it my all to live up to the examples of stoicism and grit (Mary and Dad) I have been lucky enough to have in my life and complete this adventure.
Thank-You for reading this far. Any support you can offer, in the form of positive messages, amusement at my discomfort, donating a few quid to support cancer services, all would be very much appreciated.
Diolch Yn Fawr Pawb / Thanks All,
Mark
