At approx 6.45am on 17 February 2018 in Wanaka, New Zealand (GMT +13) I plan to be starting what will undoubtedly be (both physically and mentally) the toughest day of my life. Between me and the finish line will be 140.6 miles, or to put it another way:

1.  a 3.8km swim in a glacier lake that can drop below 13 degrees and if the wind is up can be 'extremely choppy'; followed directly by
2. a 180km bike that has no let-up with over 1,800 meters of climbing on chipseal surface with crosswinds and headwinds that the pro's say will be "inescapable"; and finished off with
3. a 42.2km marathon on trials and tracks (most likely in the dark) with a 1.5km steep hill that you are lucky enough to face twice …. 

This is Challenge Wanaka, one of the toughest (but most scenic) full distance triathlons in the world. This will be my challenge.

"Why?" It's a very good question. As many of you will know, I have completed shorter triathlons before and have found in swim-bike-run a passion that I believe keeps me sane, healthy and happy. Taking on Challenge Wanaka, however, isn't a decision I have taken lightly. I try to live by one of my favourite quotes 'you miss 100% of the shots you don't take' and after a season of training and competing at the middle distance (exactly half the distance of Challenge Wanaka) I decided if not now – when? Wanaka is a very special place for me and if I only attempt the full distance once I knew it had to be Challenge Wanaka.

Whilst in Sardinia for a middle distance race in late October 2017 I met James Hatchley. Together we endured Challenge Sardinia in 30mph winds and hot conditions. Every triathlete has their own story for getting to the start line but I was truly touched by James' journey.

James lost his daughter Emma Rose three years ago to an extremely rare disease called Churg Strauss. Emma's health unexpectedly deteriorated in early 2014 and she was sent for a medical review at GOSH where she suffered sudden and unexpected heart failure. James and his family lived in Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital for almost 4 months while doctors, surgeons and nurses fought to save Emma. After a long and brave battle Emma sadly passed away on 30th May 2014. In her memory James and his family and friends have so far raised over £250,000 for GOSH in Emma's name. Despite his heart-breaking loss he has taken up triathlons and persuaded a select band of friends (including a GOSH nurse who looked after Emma) to join him. James is now the wonderful leader of TeamHatch which has ten people taking on Challenge Roth, a full distance triathlon in July 2018. 

James was kind enough to organise a tour of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital and I met the staff who work tirelessly everyday to save children's lives. It was an incredibly emotional visit and as a result I have decided to join TeamHatch as 'Team Wanaka' to raise whatever money I can to support the charity and the incredible work they do.  All funds raised will go directly to enhancing Great Ormond Street Hospital’s ability to transform the health and wellbeing of children and young people.

Anything you would like to donate to support me (and TeamHatch) as I take on Challenge Wanaka would be greatly appreciated. Please also feel free to follow the team journey on Instagram @Team_Hatch

Freshy

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.