24 Hour Charity Triathlon
Battles on through the weather

Despite the atrocious conditions, Faye, Nigel and Matt Richardson, together with family and friends, managed to complete their 24 hour triathlon in the grounds of Abberley Hall on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st July. The triathlon was the second such event in aid of the Macmillan led unit of Evesham Hospital and in memory of David Richardson, their father, who received wonderful care, along with the whole family, in March 2005.

Numbers were severely depleted as friends and family were stranded on route or unable to travel in the extreme weather. Faye Richardson left her home in Essex on Friday at 2.00pm only to arrive at Abberley Hall on Saturday at 4.00pm in time to take part in the final running session with her brothers. The journey had included being stranded on a train in Oxford, an aborted taxi journey, a stay in a hotel, a lift from fellow plighted travellers to Cheltenham, before a successful taxi trip to Abberley.

24 people braved the soaking conditions throughout the 24 hours to swim 28km, cycle 180km around a very wet and muddy off road course, and run 120km around the same route. A special mention must go to Katie, Jim, Barney and Max Wood who were a very welcome sight at the pool at 5.00am and who continued to appear throughout the day with cheery faces and lots of energy!

The rain abated in time for the weary few to celebrate their efforts with a pig roast and drinks. A total of around £3,000 has been raised for the Macmillan Unit of Evesham Community Hospital which will enable the family to purchase much needed specialist equipment to assist the marvellous nurses in their efforts. Any further donations are very welcome with cheques made payable to ‘David’s Triathlon Fund’ and sent to Abberley Hall Worcestershire WR6 6DD.

Nigel Richardson