1 June 2010
Two fitness fanatics will each do three marathons in one day to raise money for the neonatal unit at St Helier hospital next Saturday (5 June).
Personal trainer at LA Fitness in Banstead, Brian Wright and his client Richard Tait, are both preparing to row 26 miles, cycle 26 miles and run 26 miles for the cause - a staggering total of 78 miles each.
Brian explained the reasoning behind supporting the neonatal unit (which cares for sick and premature babies). He said: "A friend of mine recently had a baby who needed urgent care in a neonatal unit, and I saw first-hand the wonderful work that goes on there.
"My partner and I are expecting a little girl in seven weeks too, so it just really seems like the right time to be contributing to such an important, life-saving service.
"We haven't done as much training as I think we had hoped to, but we're quite confident that we'll be able to finish it in ten hours. We keep our fitness levels high anyway and we've both done endurance distances before, so hopefully we'll get through on muscle memory. We'll keep our fingers crossed though, otherwise we might be visiting Epsom and St Helier for a completely different reason!"
The pair have already raised £500, but are looking for more sponsorship and extra help during the event. Brian said: "Originally, there were three of us doing the challenge, but unfortunately the third person has picked up a cycling injury and has had to drop out. We're hoping that the people who come to watch will pitch in and take turns to complete a third running, rowing and cycling marathon. Please feel free to come along on Saturday - we need all the help we can get."
Matron for neonatal services at the Trust, Catherine Swanson, said: "The challenge these two men are taking on is absolutely mammoth, and we owe them a huge thank you for their incredible efforts.
"Doing something like this is such a show of strength, and all to protect some of the most delicate lives imaginable. We are all incredibly grateful to Richard and Brian and we'll be absolutely rooting for them next Saturday."
