A Preston physiotherapist is set to flex her muscles to mark a milestone birthday whilst raising money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation at the same time.
Donna Griffiths is set to celebrate her 50th in November and has signed up to September’s SUPBIKERUN in Ullswater, an event billed by its organisers as the ultimate off-road triathlon.
To finish the challenge, Donna will have to complete a 20km mountain bike ride, 5km trail run and instead of the usual starting swim, a 3km SUP – stand up paddleboard.
Taking part alongside Donna will be her 15-year-old daughter Taylor and son Connor, who turns 13 in July enabling him to enter. Ten friends and clients have also signed up after hearing Donna’s training plans and reasons for tackling the triathlon.
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Donna said: “Another year older and one that I am very thankful for.
“On Good Friday 2019, I found a lump that turned out to be breast cancer. I underwent surgery and radiotherapy at Rosemere Cancer Centre.
“Both my daughter’s godmother Natalie Simpson and my son’s godmother Beverley Roskell had also been patients there following diagnoses of breast cancer in 2015 and 2017 respectively.
“The centre has helped me and a number of our family plus Natalie and Beverley to remain well so Rosemere Cancer Foundation is a charity close to our hearts.
“I asked my children to help me find a challenge to help me not only get fitter this year but that we could use to give back for all the support we and others close to us have received the last few years. Both are fine swimmers and are members of Preston Swimming Club (PSC), which I chair, and they also enjoy cycling so they came up with the SUPBIKERUN.”
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Donna and her children are now looking forward to the challenge with a mixture of emotions.
Donna continued: “I tried paddleboarding on holiday in Wales last year. I fell off and couldn’t get back on so I am a bit worried about how I’ll manage!
“The children on the other hand are very sporty. Taylor swims for PSC and plays football for PNE Ladies. Connor swims for PSC, and plays rugby for Preston Grasshoppers and hockey for Preston Hockey Club.
“Taylor believes she will smash it and is looking forward to coming first out of the team while Connor is just realising how much of a task it is going to be.”
Donna is hoping to raise at least £1,300 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation and has set up an online fundraising page on JustGiving.
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