A MAN who has a crippling fear of swimming is facing his fear once more as he takes on an ironman challenge for charity.
Martyn Abbotts has completed a number of triathlons over the years and this year he will be participating in The Brutal Triathlon in aid of the Children’s Air Ambulance.
On September 10 the Solihull resident will be completing a 2.4-mile lake swim, a 112-miles bike ride and a 15-mile run before scaling Snowdon in Llyn Padarn, north Wales.
Martyn is hoping to raise £3,500 – enough to fund one mission at Children’s Air Ambulance which provides paediatric and neonatal care for critically ill babies and children, flying them from one hospital to another for specialist care.
He said: “The clinically designed helicopter provides a flying intensive care unit for babies and children.
“They receive no government funding and rely entirely on voluntary donations to raise the £3,500 for every mission.
“Any support will help to keep hope alive for these patients and their families and would be most welcomed.
“All the events are privately funded by myself and my family, so all money raised goes to the charity directly.”
Before completing the ironman challenge he will be taking on the Knowle Fun Run in May, the Solihull Half Marathon in August and the Cheltenham Half Marathon on September.
He will also be taking part in an Ironman challenge in Staffordshire in June.
Previously Martyn has completed triathlons in aid of Solihull’s Marie Curie Hospice and the Friends of Solihull Hospital.
For more or to donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Martyn-Abbotts4.
