On 6 August 2016 I will be competing in the London Triathlon, swimming 1500m in the Thames followed by a 40k bike ride topped off with a 10k run.  So far I have raised £1,500 for The Norfolk Hospice through other fund raising activities but this one is by far my biggest challenge. 

I want to continue to support The Norfolk Hospice, a wonderful charity who not only looked after my dear mother having lost her battle with cancer but who have also provided much needed support to some of my work colleagues, friends and their respective families who have undergone or are still undergoing the same challenges.  Nothing prepares you for the pain, suffering and indignity of a debilitating or terminal illness but the hospice team provided unfailing support for which we were very grateful.

Mum was looked after by the 'Hospice at Home Team', who not only provided the care and resources to sustain her during her final weeks but also linked in with other services including district nurses and Marie Curie to help us face the inevitable.  Being at home meant that mum was with her loved ones in the comfort of her home surroundings as opposed to the isolation of a hospital ward. It meant that we could support her every need and spend quality time with her without the additional pressure of travelling to and from hospital restricted by visiting times. A year later and the hospice team are still in contact to ensure we are in good shape and still provide access to other services such as bereavement counselling if needed.  They don’t simply shut the door when that particular chapter of your life is over, they continue to support those who need it.

I can swim, cycle and run and have competed in smaller events but never at this distance or one on this scale. Having moved house in
February, I had hoped for a quieter year but this opportunity arose in April so here I am.  As part of the challenge I have now had to leave the comfort of my local swimming pool with its warm crystal blue water and face my fear of open water swimming in some cold, murky rivers and lakes whilst mastering the technique of donning and
removing a wetsuit without falling flat on my face!  Sink or swim, if
my mum was able to face her fears then so can I.  

I am hoping to raise a further £1,000 to support this wonderful cause.
Thank you for taking time to read this and thank you for your support.

Caroline