A team of over 120 triathletes raised over £50,000 for the charity DebRA last weekend by completing the world’s largest triathlon – the Michelob ULTRA London Triathlon 2007 - on 4th and 5th August.
DebRA is the national charity that supports families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) - a rare genetic condition which causes the skin to blister and shear at the slightest friction, or even spontaneously.
The annual swim-bike-run event from the ExCeL Centre in Docklands to Big Ben attracted some 11,000 competitors and this year DebRA was one of two charities awarded the top Gold Charity status.
Competitors had three levels of triathlon to compete in: Super Sprint, Sprint and Olympic. The highest level – Olympic – involved a 1500m swim in the Royal Victoria Docks, followed by a 40k bike ride and 10k run.
Adam Shaw from Greetland, Halifax participated in the DebRA wave’s Olympic category on behalf of his three year-old daughter Hollie who was born with Dystrophic EB and raised £1,500 for DebRA.
Adam said: “This was my first triathlon and I really enjoyed the whole experience. A wave of over one hundred DebRA triathletes collectively started the race on Saturday afternoon which established a great camaraderie among all those raising funds for DebRA.
“DebRA relies on fundraising events like this to carry out its vital work, improving lives and giving hope to families like mine. Like any other little girl of her age, Hollie loves to dance, play and have fun. The difference is if Hollie knocks herself or her clothes rub, her skin sometimes comes off. This hurts, but when it occurs in her mouth or throat it really hurts and she struggles to eat or drink until the pain dies down. I believe that without DebRA’s support, Hollie could not live her life to the full.
Michelle Donnelly from London, is taking part in six triathlons across the UK this summer to raise funds for DebRA.
Michelle said: “I come from a fishing village in Northern Ireland where Triathlon is unheard off. I found out about Triathlon in the summer of 2005 when I went to the London Triathlon to watch my friend Denise compete in her first one. After watching my friend I was so proud of her and felt so emotional that I thought I am going to try this.
“At this time I couldn't swim front crawl at all therefore I sent myself on a Swimming Course with SwinforTri and trained very hard of which the outcome was one that was rewarding. I am now swimming the 1500metre swim in 30mins and less, for me that was an achievement within itself.
“I then started competing in the Super Sprint (short) distances at Eton College which after a while were no longer a challenge. This year I came 3rd out of 299 woman competing in the Ladies Timex at Eton (Sprint Distance), and took part at Blenheim Palace for the second year running. For the second time I took part in the Olympic Distance at the London Triathlon finishing 65 out 156 in 2hrs 43 mins so I’m pretty pleased about that. Now I’m thinking of the Half Iron Man next year.
“I chose to fundraise for DebRA at this year’s London Triathlon after attending a charity evening which made me feel very humble indeed. I will have participated in six triathlons since May through to September this year whilst trying to raise as much money as possible for DebRA.
“I have now started a Triathlon Club at ING Bank where I work. I have twelve members of which six race on a regular basis. Hopefully, next year we can do a little more work with DebRA through the Triathlon.
“I have found Triathlon has changed my life completely. It has given me a fantastic energy and outlook to life. I have met so many fantastic people through the sport and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.”
The London Triathlon was Michelle’s fifth triathlon out of six since May 2007 and she hopes to raise £3,000 for DebRA.
38 year-old Jo Gambi, a mountaineering enthusiast from Chiswick, London participated in the London Triathlon for the first time this year. In 2005, Jo and her husband Rob became the first married couple to climb the Seven Summits and ski to both the North and South Poles. What makes their story even more remarkable is that they achieved all this while Rob was in remission from his second bout of cancer. The intrepid adventurers, who have chronicled their adventures at www.robandjogambi.com raised £2,000 for DebRA.
Amanda McLean, Director of Fundraising and Communications, said: “This was a tremendous event and we wish to thank everyone who took part in the triathlon and helped raise such an incredible amount of money for DebRA – their efforts will make a real difference to the lives of families living with EB.”
For more information about DebRA, please visit www.debra.org.uk.
