Fundraising dad to take part in gruelling triathalon after teaching himself to swim
Newsdesk • Published 3 Jul 2012 17:15
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David Cross with his daughter Minnie, ten, at the finish of the Eton Super Sprint Triathlon on Saturday, May 19 which was one of his preperation events for the Ironman UK contest
A FUNDRAISER is gearing up for his biggest challenge yet after entering the Ironman UK contest with the added test of teaching himself to swim.
David Cross, who lives in Hunstanton Close, Colnbrook, has signed up for the contest on Saturday, July 22, taking on the challenge of completing a swim of 2.4 miles in open water, a 112 mile cycle ride and a 26.2 mile run, all within 17 hours.
However, only months ago, the 45-year-old was unable to swim.
Since February he has taught himself to swim from scratch as part of his intense training programme, which has involved him working out everyday for the last four months and taking on three triathlons.
The chartered engineer said: "I wanted a personal challenge as I used to be quite sporty, but I'm 45 now and got out of practice and wanted to test myself. I also just wanted to make a contribution to charity and help out however I could."
Mr Cross, who is the vice chair of governors at Pippins School in Rodney Walk, is fundraising for SPICE (Special People on Ice) and the charities Cancer Relief, Leukaemia Research, MacMillan Cancer Support and CLIC Sergeant.
He aims to raise £1,500 by taking on the Ironman UK challenge with 50% going to SPICE and 50% to the other charities.
SPICE is aiming to raise enough money to travel to Canada next year to allow the children to play ice hockey against other teams with special needs from across North America.
The father-of-two said: "I want to help ensure the SPICE kids have an opportunity to experience something special next year and to support the great work of cancer relief charities."
Last month, Mr Cross raised more than £1,000 through a charity dinner at the Old Ostrich Inn in High Street, which will go towards his £1,500 target.
To donate to Mr Cross' cause visit www.justgiving.com/triggeractive or text "DCIM99 £5" to 70070
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