44 New Year New You Charity challenges Doing it for dad
To mark the 15th anniversary of their father’s death, Charlotte Wigram-Evans and her brother took on a triathlon for Cancer Research UK. She shares their story, some training tips and explains why it’s so important to do your bit for charity
my brother 10, but I remember the question my mum asked us as though it was yesterday. “He’ll be ill forever?” I replied,
“W
my response sounding weak even to my own ears. Three months later my dad was dead. Liver cancer. Nothing the doctors could do. It’s been 15 years, and while some
memories of my father are clear as day, others are fading. He’s missed me and my brother’s teenage years, missed us becoming adults, and won’t be around for our weddings. And my story isn’t unusual. If anything, the more I go through
hat will happen if he doesn’t get better?” I was 12,
life, the more I meet people who have had it a whole lot worse. So, six months ago, my brother and I decided to do a triathlon in memory of our wonderful dad. Now, for my brother — sports
coach, gym enthusiast, hockey player extraordinaire — the task seemed, if not a walk in the park, at least achievable. I, on the other hand, have always avoided participating in any kind of sporting event, joining any team, or running any distance, ever. In the run up the big day, my
advice to those in the same boat as I was: start small. I bought a bike and began cycling the eight miles to work, recording my gradual time improvements on the Map my Ride
Three to try for Cancer Research UK A young Matthew with his dad
Dryathlon January Go sober for the first 31 days of the year. Take on the ultimate test of willpower by going booze-free this January and raise vital funds to help beat cancer.
Cancer Research London Winter Run 3 February This 10km route past London’s landmarks attracts around 20,000 runners every year and the marshals dress up as cuddly animals.
Nightrider, London 8 June Join the ultimate moonlit cycle tour of the capital. The ride kicks off at Lee Valley VeloPark in east London and follows a 50km or 100km circular route through the city.
app. Swimming-wise, combining indoor and outdoor swims is key; my first lake experience was dark, daunting, and absolutely freezing. For the running aspect, I
downloaded Couch to 5K. In eight weeks, you’ll not only progress from running for 60 seconds, walking for 90 seconds to jogging a whole 5km in half an hour, but potentially even enjoying it. And I never thought I’d say that. It was tough and frustrating at
points, but as everyone’s amazingly generous donations rolled in, what began as an event to remember our dad became something bigger. Something that may help other kids have more time with their parents, in a future without cancer.
Saturday 5th January 2019
RIDE THE TOUGHEST CLIMBS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE
FIGHT FOR A WORLD WITHOUT MS
www.cykelnerveninternational.org
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