Running (swimming and cycling) for the bus!

A MASSIVE THANKS FOR ALL YOUR AMAZING CONTRIBUTIONS AND GOOD WISHES. I WAS HEARD AT THE FINISH LINE TO SAY "IF I EVER TALK ABOUT DOING AN ENDURANCE RACE AGAIN SOMEONE JUST SAY 'THERE, THERE DEAR' " THANKS AGAIN TO ALL.

Hi

As I slowly approach death Lisa (my dear other half) has persuaded me to speed up the process by helping to raise funds for a Keswick School mini bus, coach, train and Lear jet, in that order.

She kindly pointed out that I had never done a marathon, found a local one I could do and before I knew it I was entered into the Lakesman.

There was however a problem - namely a 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride that needs to be done before the run bit.

So this could be my first and last fundraising event for this cause with a high % chance of a "did not finish" outcome.

So far my training has been assisted on a weekly basis by Jo Gillyon on the sports physio side, Active Blue on the correct use of arm bands in open water swimming, an MRI machine for confirmation of hip issues and Terry "the trainer" with various training plans, resulting in me having spluttered, wobbled and staggered over 2500km and consumed 100k+ calories in the last 5 months.

The outcome of all this nonsense is I am putting it all to the test this coming Fathers Day (!) - starting at 6.00am in Derwentwater and expecting to finish some days later, providing painkillers do their job.

It would be really good if someone could pledge £30k for me not to compete but failing that any donations that can help the school on the way to the target above will be fab.

And the reason we need a mini bus?

• the current one (a bit like me) is on its last legs
• having our own transport reduces costs
• and means more trips and outings, both educational and sport for the kids.

Many thanks!