A clinical trainer for Barchester Healthcare from Stockport, Cheshire, put the ‘fun’ into ‘fundraising’ when she took on the Ironman race in Barcelona on the 7 October, completing it in 14 hours, 35 minutes and 26 seconds and raising £1,175 for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support..
The triathlon, organised by the World Triathlon Corporation, is one of a series of long distance triathlon races, consisting of a 2.4 mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112 mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22 mile (42.20 km) run, competed in that order and without a break. With only 15 hours and 40 minutes to complete the course, Susan pushed herself to her limits and made it through with only one hour, four minutes and 34 seconds to spare!
A former tennis player, Susan wanted to step up her fitness by attempting to master the triathlon sports. Inspired by her husband completing the Ironman Triathlon in Wales last year, Susan began with only the breast stroke swim mastered, an old mountain bike only used once a year, and no previous running experience, and set herself the ultimate goal to be ready for the next Ironman challenge in Barcelona.
Building her endurance with an intense training regime, Susan disciplined herself with workouts six days per week work. Knocking out her target of £1000 split between both Barchester’s Charitable Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support, Susan said she “enjoyed every second of the race because it was for a good cause, even when it got tough”.
Henriette Dupont, grants manager at Barchester’s Charitable Foundation says: “Everyone at Barchester has been extremely supportive of Susan, especially Susan’s team members who train under her. Barchester’s Charitable Foundation is a great cause that helps many people in need, particularly lonely older people, which is a cause very close to the hearts of all our staff and residents, and we are really proud of Susan to have been able to raise this money for both charities. Thank you to everyone who donated!”
Barchester’s Charitable Foundation supports older people and other adults living with a disability by giving grants to help improve independence, mobility and quality of life. For more information please visit www.bhcfoundation.org.uk
