My name is Paul Ainsworth. I'm a chef and restaurateur based here in Cornwall.

As a father of two young girls, I cannot even comprehend how I would feel if either of my daughters was diagnosed with cancer. But our good friends, Charlie and Faith Toogood, do know how that feels. Two years ago, one of their two young daughters, Coco, was diagnosed with leukaemia and their lives were turned upside down. My wife Emma and I followed their daily journey as they battled this awful illness as a family. Throughout, Faith offered an eloquent, often heart breakingly raw insight into their cancer journey.

Coco is now in remission, but Faith’s strength in sharing their story inspired me to raise as much money as I can for the Children’s Cancer Fund at our local hospital, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske.

On 1st September I am running, swimming and cycling my first ever Triathlon. The Ironman 70.3 is a gruelling course featuring a 1.2-mile lake swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run, and I am determined to not only complete the course, but to do my absolute best and use this event to raise as much money as I can. With the money raised we will provide things that literally make a difference, from games and sensory tools, medical equipment, travel assistance, furnishings, fixture and fittings, to help make the lives of childhood cancer patients, from babies to teenagers and their families, that little bit easier.

I'll be digging deep to complete the course and cross that finish line. To help drive me, I have set the ambitious goal of raising £50,000 in sponsorship. Every penny will go to help the children and their families. I'll keep you up to date with my progress through my Instagram profile @paulainsw6rth. Follow my training journey and join me as I complete my first, ever Triathlon in Austria. And I’ll show you what your funding allows us to achieve together.

Thank you on behalf of my family, Faith and Charlie, Coco and India, and so many others who will benefit from this money.

Lots of love,

Paul Ainsworth