On the 10th of October last year a very close friend died in a tragic accident in the lake district. He had just turned 30.

He was intelligent and warm, and an extremely fit and active person. We had climbed and skied together across Europe. He had reached one of the highest peaks in the Himalayas with his fiance, run ultra-marathons, and was an all round great friend. However, his most notable sporting achievement was the completion of an Ironman triathlon. Chris always sought out greater and more rewarding challenges in his life, and pushed himself to achieve more in 30 years than many do in a lifetime.

Although his accident has been extremely hard for those around him, he has left a legacy of inspiration and celebration for his life. Driven by his fiance, a team of 30 of his friends have come together and are taking part in the Outlaw half ironman triathlon on 2nd June. This tough event is made up of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile cycle and 13.1 mile run (and is only half of what Chris did). We are aiming to raise £20,000 as a team in memory of our friend.

Having 30 of his friends undertake the greatest physical challenge of their lives is a fitting legacy for him to leave, and shows how much he inspired those around him.

I have dedicated the past 6 months of my life to training for this. I've learnt to swim, I've run 2 half marathons in the past 4 weeks as warm up events and am doing a smaller sized triathlon next Monday in preparation for the main event. I've joined swimming and running clubs. I've met new friends. I'm in the best shape of my life. I think Chris would be pleased with my efforts, and hope to do him proud on the day!

We are doing this in Chris's memory, and to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, who provided the initial response after the accident. They don't receive any government funding and need donations to keep running this very important service.

Chris's fiance was present during the accident, and this is what she has to say about the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

The Great North Air Ambulance were actually the first on site.  I cannot express my relief on seeing these medics arrive and will forever be in their debt for everything they did to help Chris.  I was unaware, like most people that the Air Ambulance service is a charity and needs the support of the public to help keep the service available.  Each helicopter costs approximately £1.2 million to run and they receive no government or lottery assistance.  So please dig deep and donate now to this very worthwhile charity.

 

Please please donate as much as you can, and help me raise money for this very special cause, which is close to my heart. I don't think I can get across just how important this is to me. I want to raise as much money as possible. Please help me.

Don't delay! Show me you love me and donate today.

 

 

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