VIDEO: Dedicated duo take on Triathlon for children with cerebral palsy

Cairine Currie from Rudgwick and Paul Arkle from Storrington will undertake a 500m swim, 26km cyle and a 5km run for the Dame Vera Lynn Trust (DVLT) as part of the 28th East Grinstead Triathlon on Sunday, May 12.

“I was 50 last year and saw it as a challenge to mark my age,” explained Cairine. “I completed my first triathlon last year but Paul has never done one before.

“When we were offered the place to do the challenge I thought wow, this is something I really enjoyed and could do for a worthwhile local charity at the same time.”

The pair work together in the accounts department at Billingshurt-based PMW Communications which works closely with the DVLT.

“Our Managing Director is also chariman of the trust which is such a worthy cause for young children,” added 47-year-old Paul.

“Cairine has been my inspiration. I was very very impressed when she did her last triathlon and how she dedicated herself and I thought it’s a challenge I could do myself and we could egg each other on which will be quite a good thing,” he continued.

Despite the poor weather, the colleagues have been using turbo trainers with Paul using the facilities at Slinfold Golf & Country Club and Cairine preparing herself at theBillingshurts Leisure Centre gym and the Horsham Amphibians Triathlon Club to which she belongs to.

“Training wise I haven’t been doing as much as I should have done,” confessed Paul.

“I’m very nervous and I’m not looking forward to the 26km bike ride as much because it’s a long way to cycle and the seat is like a razor blade.”

Between them they hope to raise £500

Cairine concluded: “The DVLT are so appreciative of everything and any amount they receive big or small.

“I’ve known Rosie Wyer from the trust for years and she’s always so grateful so I would rather aim lower and then hopefully blast our target.”

To sponsor Cairine and Paul visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/cairinecurrieandpaularkle