Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my fundraising page.

After a serious bit of self-reflection and turning 60 last year (though they do say age is just a number!) I decided it was time to take on a completely new challenge: training for a triathlon. Quite a shift from martial arts, I know!

My goal is to complete my very first triathlon on 10th May in Tiverton, which includes a 400m pool swim, a 24km bike ride, and a 5km run. After that, I’ll be taking on a second triathlon in September in Brighton—this time featuring a 750m sea swim (which should be… interesting!). Alongside these events, I’ve also set myself the challenge of swimming the equivalent of a marathon over 22 weeks, from April to September.

Swimming, in particular, has been my biggest hurdle. Back in February, I could barely manage 100 metres of front crawl without being completely out of breath—but I’m pleased to say things are improving!

That is three big challenges for 2026… and who knows, maybe more!

Training has well and truly taken over, with 8–10 sessions a week including cycling, swimming, running, strength, and mobility work. I’m doing everything I can to be ready when the big days arrive.

This journey isn’t just about personal achievement. I’m doing this in memory of my late father, Len, who passed away five years ago from prostate cancer and leukaemia, and in honour of my mum, June, who is bravely living with vascular dementia in a care home.

Rather than fundraising for national charities, this time I wanted to make a direct impact closer to home. The money raised will go towards supporting the incredible Exercise Referral programme at Westbank’s Healthy Living Centre. This programme helps people living with a wide range of conditions—including cancer, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and heart-related illnesses—by providing vital support such as transport and specialist equipment.

I’m proud to be part of the gym team that delivers this important rehabilitation programme, and I see first-hand the difference it makes every week.

So, I’m asking you to join me on this slightly mad adventure and support me as I push my (not-so-young!) body to its limits—all for a truly worthwhile cause. Whether you can donate or come along to cheer on the day, your support would mean the world.

Donating through this page is simple, fast, and completely secure. Your contribution will go directly to the Westbank charity, and Gift Aid will be reclaimed on every eligible donation from UK taxpayers—making your generosity go even further.

Our target is £2,000—so please, if you can, dig deep and donate today.

Thanks again for your support—and hopefully, see you on the day!

UPDATE:
I completed my first ever Triathlon on Sunday 10th May. 400m pool swim, 24km hilly bike and 5km run undulating and uphill to start. Target time was 1hour 45 minutes was super pleased as did it in 1hour 28:30 approx.
Splits were as follows …….
Swim 11:14
T1 - 3:52
Bike 47:38
T2 - 1:58
Run - 23:57
Wayne Sibthorpe