Wisborough Green team’s triple triathlon challenge for hospital

The team from Wisborough Green, who is doing three triathlons in three countries in 22 hours - picture submitted SUS-140206-120932001

Anton Jerges, 44, Andy Burbridge, 45, Jon Finn, 41, and Philip Maggs, 38 hope to complete the running, cycling and swimming events in England, Wales and Scotland in just over 22 hours.

The first is at Lake Bala in Snowdonia, then onto Lake Windermere and finishing at St Mary’s Loch in Scotland - reported to be the deepest and coldest lake in Scotland.

Anton said: “It’s doable, but I think for four middle-aged men, it might be more of a challenge. What’s difficult is doing all three. If you try cycling for any distance and then getting up and running, your legs don’t want to do it.

“Also we will finish one, cool down and sit in the car for three or four hours in between.”

The team will be supported by Wisborough Green friends Mike Gadd, Matt Dronsfield and Mitch Mitchell, who will supervise them and drive the team to each venue.

The team’s chosen charity is the St George’s Hospital Charity because they have seen their friend’s daughter cared for there. Anton said: “Over a 20 month period she was in hospital for nearly a year and at times was unable to leave her hospital bed.

“During that time the hospital’s play team pulled out all the stops to make sure our friend’s daughter could have some respite and fun over the long months of treatment.

“What we are aiming to do now is to try and give something back to the wonderful hospital that cared for our friend’s daughter and help raise funds to provide an amazing piece of equipment for the team to use.”

The girl, who is not being named, has multiple disabilities including cerebral palsy and epilepsy. She has had 24 brain surgery procedures.

Her adoptive mum Sam Dominique said: “I am so overwhelmed about what they are doing in our family’s name. We still use the hospital.

“The piece of equipment is (called a magic carpet) can be used for play. You can have a group of children interacting with it. It’s sensory. You can use it for tiny babies right up to adults. They have put themselves all out. If readers can sponsor them. I know times are hard, but £1 or £5 can make a difference.”

They have already raised almost £5,000 including £1,000 from sponsors Knight Frank. To support them go to www.justgiving.com/anton-jerges1