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		<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Race For Charity - Tri247</title><link>http://www.tri247.com/index.html</link><description>Latest race for charity articles from Tri247</description><item><title><![CDATA[Race London for Epilepsy Action]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_3370.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[We often get information through about charity slots in races but every once in a while there&#039;s a personal story attached which involves someone in the sport. News came thrugh from Ali Boon at Tri-UK about one of their team members, Robbie Philips, who has been struck down with an illness that causes seizures and, while unable to race himself as a result, is supporting the charity Epilepsy Action who are looking to fill their last few remaining slots at the London Triathlon (www.epilepsy.org.uk/involved/londontriathlon.html).

From everything that Ali has told us this looks like a classic case of &#039;but for the grace of...&#039; in that Robbie, a self-employed painter and decorator, took to triathlon as part of a lifestyle change to get away from being a bit overweight and spending too much time in the pub. Once hooked on the sport he then took time to coach and encourage other novices, helping them get started and passing on what he had learned. Somewhere along the way he became part of the Tri-UK team and obviously made enough of an impression that Ali has made the decision that he will remain an honorary member despite not being able to compete any more.

Obviously Robbie&#039;s life has been changed by the disease; he can&#039;t go up ladders, he can&#039;t drive, he can&#039;t ride a bike... The fact that he is still prepared to put in the effort for the sport and his chosen charity speaks volumes for his character. So, if you are still hunting for an elusive London slot this is one that you should definitely consider as an option.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Race for Asthma UK at Mazda London Triathlon]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_3346.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Mazda London Triathlon is the world&amp;rsquo;s largest triathlon, so if it&amp;rsquo;s a triathlon you want - this is the one for you!

Fancy the challenge? It&amp;rsquo;s time to register for the Mazda London Triathlon 2008 - we&amp;rsquo;d love you to join our team and support Asthma UK this  year. The event suits all with five entry levels into the competition and you can also choose to enter the event on an individual basis or to join forces and create a team of three.

We&amp;rsquo;ve got a handful of Guaranteed Places in the event so be quick! Come and be part of our fantastic team and we will  support you all the way. If you already have your own place in the event we&amp;rsquo;d also welcome you. By getting involved, you will be part of a great bunch of people who want to enjoy the challenge and raise vital funds to help people whose lives are affected by asthma.


  Asthma is serious &amp;ndash; on average four people die because of their asthma per day
  Asthma is widespread &amp;ndash; 5.2 million people in the UK have asthma
  Asthma is controllable - up to 90% of asthma-related deaths could be prevented


Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of those people in the UK with asthma.

Join  the Asthma UK  team!
We will fully support you  in your challenge with a welcome and fundraising pack, email updates, training  plans, a team microsite including an online personal trainer and forum. You&amp;rsquo;ll get an Asthma UK vest to wear on the day and full support on race day and post  race too.

The Asthma UK Events team is on hand  to help you with your fundraising and will keep in touch with you before and after your event to provide lots of support and advice in the run up to your  event and to congratulate you on completion.

So why not challenge yourself by signing up NOW and taking part in this world famous event and raise money for  Asthma UK  at the same time. Go on, spread your wings!

For further information on how to join the Asthma UK team visit: asthma.org.uk/running or email events@asthma.org.uk or call 08456 03 81 43]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[K1 Tri Club's big salute]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_3343.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Roy Brunning from Team Tri-UK and four members of the K1 Triathlon Club based in Cyprus are racing Ironman Lanzarote in two weeks time and also raising money for the BFBS BIG Salute, a charity that is supporting five different Forces charities. They have selected five Forces charities to be the beneficiaries of the BFBS Big Salute to show their respect, admiration and support for those who have served their country and been seriously injured or carry other less visible scars:

BLESMA, British Limbless Ex-Service Men&#039;s Association
Combat Stress
Headley Court
St Dunstan&#039;s
Veterans&#039; Aid


You can learn more or support the team at their Just Giving site or
 on Roy&#039;s blog]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Race at The London Mazda Triathlon for KIDS]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_3316.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Take part in The Mazda London Triathlon 2008 (9th/10th August), the largest triathlon in the world, whilst raising vital funds for KIDS. If you apply before the 29th May 2008 you will be guaranteed your place on the start line.

Run as part of the KIDS team and you you will receive support every step of the way. Benefits of joining the KIDS team include:

A professional running vest and training T-shirt
E-newsletters to support you in the run up to the race
A fundraising pack, full of advice and tips on how to make the most of your fundraising
Unlimited support and encouragement from our dedicated fundraising team
On the day cheering teams and team photo

If you feel confident you can raise the minimum sponsorship target of &pound;575 (including a &pound;75 non-refundable registration fee) then get in touch TODAY. Your registration fee will not be cashed until you have received confirmation of your place.

KIDS works to enhance the lives of disabled children, young people and their families, through play, leisure, education, family support, information, advice and training, empowering them to change their society call: 020 7354 9483 or email: running@kids.org.uk to join the KIDS team today!

]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Race for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_3314.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Cystic Fibrosis Trust is delighted to be one of the beneficiary charities of the 2008 Sefton Triathlon. The Triathlon, which takes place on Crosby Beach near Liverpool on Saturday 28th June, has the reputation of being the best community triathlon in the UK.  

What&rsquo;s more, you don&rsquo;t have to be a super fit athlete to take part. With categories for all ages from tiny tots to veteran over 40, plus a section for children with disabilities, why not join Team CF at this fantastic event?

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the UK&rsquo;s most common life-threatening inherited disease. It is caused by a defective gene that results in the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, becoming clogged with thick sticky mucus resulting in chronic infections and inflammation in the lungs, and difficulty absorbing food.  

In 2002, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust formed a unique consortium of scientists working together to develop a treatment to remove the life-threatening element of Cystic Fibrosis. These scientists have developed a gene therapy product to add a healthy copy of the CF gene to the lungs, which we believe will prevent the development of the lung damage that claims the lives of 90% of those with Cystic Fibrosis. A pilot study is planned for this year and all being well, a major clinical trial will begin in 2009.  

Taking part in the Sefton Triathlon in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust will help ensure we are able to fund this vital project. Please email us now for entry details bburnham-jones@cftrust.org.uk
]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dave Aitchison fund established]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_3311.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Dave Aitchison SportsAid Fund has been set up to assist talented young triathletes in the Triathlon London region to succeed in the sport.

Athletes who receive funding must be identified and nominated by the British Triathlon Federation, the sport&rsquo;s national governing body, based on their talent and sporting results. Applicants must be aged between 12 and 25 years old; be a member of the Triathlon London IRC squad, Triathlon London Academy, Triathlon England talent squad or GB Age Group team; and live and train in the Triathlon London region. Successful applicants will typically receive grants of &pound;500-&pound;1,000 per year.

The fund has been set up in memory of Dave Aitchison, a rising star in British Triathlon, who died suddenly in January 2007, aged 29, from an undetected heart condition (arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy). Dave was a strong cross country runner as a schoolboy and developed a passion for cycling as a mountain biker at University before moving into triathlons where he really excelled. As part of the Herbalife Triathlon Academy, in his first year of competition Dave won the age group race at both London Triathlon and London Duathlon before taking Bronze at the World Age Group Championships in Lausanne and being named British Triathlon&#039;s Age Group Triathlete of the Year 2006.

Whilst Dave undoubtedly trained with a seriousness befitting his results, those who knew him remember how he seemed to just love life and pass on this infectious joy to everyone who was lucky enough to spend time with him. Dave made an enormous impact on his fellow triathletes, making a huge number of friends - from club mates to those he raced against. He had a profound affect on many people, with everyone reflecting on the fun and laughter he brought to them. As his coach, Bill Black, says: &quot;Dave had all the attributes of an elite professional athlete yet was extremely modest and possessed the ability to switch off and be mischievous and funny.&quot;

Jenny and Tony Aitchison (Dave&rsquo;s parents) and Jane (his sister) regard themselves as tremendously fortunate to have been blessed with a wonderful son and brother, who brought them and so many others so much pleasure. He was so loving, caring, considerate, thoughtful, intelligent, sensitive and principled.  He possessed far more silliness than one person is entitled to, loved fooling around and kept the family constantly entertained with his pranks. He was the sunshine in the life of Claire Bridget, his girlfriend, who was treated to a new song and dance routine each day!  He would light up a room when he entered, was multi-talented and but for his incredible modesty he could have so easily prompted jealousy in others. 

Dave&#039;s triathlon club, Ful-On Tri Club, organise an annual cyclosportive - The Surrey Legs of Steel: Dave Aitchison Challenge Ride from Boxhill, taking in the thigh-burning Surrey Hills where Dave did so much of his training, earning himself the &quot;Legs of Steel&quot; title. All profits from the event go direct to the fund. In its first year, the event raised &pound;4,147 with added donations from friends and family raising a further &pound;2,730. The ride this year will take place on 27th September 2008, please visit www.fulontri.com for details on how to take part.

Donations to the Dave Aitchison Fund can be made through Just Giving, with the benefit of gift aid on donations from UK taxpayers: www.justgiving.com/daveaitchisonfund Additionally, those wishing to raise money for the fund through their own sporting endeavours, can create their own donations page through the following link: www.justgiving.com/sportsaid  Click the &ldquo;create your page&rdquo; link and select the Dave Aitchison Fund.
]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bike of the Race: Ean Brown]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_3273.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[It&amp;rsquo;s a fact, triathletes love kit! And nothing gets more discussed, considered, argued about and drooled over than bikes. We love bikes too, so we thought we&amp;rsquo;d kick off our 2008 series of &amp;lsquo;Bike of the Race&amp;rsquo;. There are no rules involved &amp;ndash; you may be the fastest or the slowest in your age group. You may even be an elite athlete. You could be riding the most &amp;lsquo;bling&amp;rsquo; bike available, a rare Italian thoroughbred or an old shopper (with basket attached&amp;hellip;). Or, we might just like you! As always, our Tri247 staff will be out and about all over the country (well, the world actually), so if you get a tap on the shoulder and asked for a photo &amp;ndash; be nice to us, and smile!

Ean Brown
Scott Addict Ltd road bike


Our first bike of the race for 2008 belongs to Ean Brown. Ean is a Director of Pentland (www.pentland.com), who amongst a vast portfolio of brands, manage and develop Speedo (www.speedo.co.uk), who are making a return to the triathlon market in 2008. Speedo were one of the supporters and sponsors of the SPW Triathlon this year, which is where we spotted this ultra-light carbon machine, and just had to take a closer look.

The Scott Addict Ltd is quite possibly the lightest bike available, and if you want one, get saving - it doesn&#039;t come cheap! This is one scenario where you really do get less (weight), for spending more. That&#039;s hardly surprising when you consider the quality spec:

Full HMX carbon frame, including the dropouts. Even the external &#039;cosmetic&#039; layer of carbon has been removed to save weight.
Integrated seat post design
Integrated Moulding Process (IMP) forks
Mavic Cosmic Ultimate carbon wheels
Full Campagnolo Carbon Record groupset 
Fi&#039;zi:k Arione K:1 carbon saddle
Look Keo Ti pedals
Zipp Vuka Clip Aerobars


The final addition being a Garmin 705 GPS computer. Well, you wouldn&#039;t want to get lost on a bike like this would you.

This is Ean&#039;s second season of triathlon and, not surprisngly, he&#039;s really enjoying the bike though he did admit that actually he preferred Shimano components over Campagnolo. Still, I guess if you had a &#039;perfect&#039; bike, there would be no incentive to ever change it -- which would take away half of the fun.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lands End to John O’Groats (and everything in between)]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_3293.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[On Sunday, Neil Jordan will head out on a multisport journey with a difference. Lands End to John O&rsquo;Groats with everything else in between, using a mixture of cycling, kayaking and good old shanks&rsquo; pony. It might have been done before, but has it ever included canoeing the Caledonian Canal, hiking the West Highland Way and Penine Way, climbing the three highest peaks in the UK and braving Neptune&rsquo;s wrath as he kayaks the south coast of Cornwall, all in aid of the Sobell House Hospice Charity and Cancer Research UK.

The journey is expected to take the best part of three months, during which Neil will make his way south cycling to Inverness, kayaking the Caledonian Canal, climbing Ben Nevis, walking the West Highland Way, the Penine Way and climbing Scafell Pike, then cycling on to Wales where he will climb Snowdon, before canoeing the Severn and finally completing the mammoth challenge with either a final kayak or hike along the Cornish coast to his destination at Lands End.

Along the way he will be joined intermittently by friends and family including his sons, Richard and Stuart. Neil says, &ldquo;My wonderful wife Linda finally lost her long fight against cancer on 23rd June 2007. Soon after her Thanksgiving Service I spent four days walking the coastal footpath from St Ives to Penzance. I needed time on my own to start to come to terms with Linda&rsquo;s death, and it was on this walk that the idea for the Ride-Stride-Glide started to form in my mind.&quot;

&quot;Throughout our 32 years of happy marriage we had always enjoyed walking, and in the last two years we had taken up going for rides on a tandem.  In 2006 I finally persuaded Linda to try canoeing, which she thoroughly enjoyed. I was however told that if she ever fell into the river this would be grounds for divorce! We made short journeys in both England and Canada. It therefore seemed appropriate that, to raise funds for the Sobell House Hospice Charity and Cancer Research UK, I should make a journey, dedicated to Linda, combining walking, cycling, canoeing and sea-kayaking.&quot;

&quot;I believe that Linda would approve of what I am taking on and I hope that the monies raised will help Cancer Research UK in their work of finding a cure for cancer and Sobell House to continue to offer the care, comfort and support to others, that Linda and the family valued so much in her final days.&rdquo;

Sobell House fundraiser Kevin Game said, &ldquo;This is a huge challenge but a great one too. It&rsquo;s really exciting not only for Neil to complete the Lands End to John O&rsquo;Groats journey which is a challenge in itself, but also for him to polish off most of the other toughest challenges in the UK. By the end of it he will have seen the very best that Britain has to offer and have raised a huge amount of money to help us continue the invaluable work of Sobell House in our community.&rdquo;

You can see how Neil&#039;s challenge is progressing and see his timetable by visiting www.ridestrideglide.wordpress.com  or call him on 07813 704798.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Run forest run]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_3275.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[ For those worried about global warming, getting hot and sweaty taking part in a triathlon might not seem an obvious way to cool things down, but the Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is giving people the chance to do just that by joining its 2008 triathlon team, and helping fight climate change by protecting rainforests.
 
Rainforests are not only home to millions of people, plants and animals, they are essential in the fight against climate change, because deforestation causes more of the CO2 emissions, which cause global warming, than all of the world&rsquo;s planes, trains and automobiles.
 
Rainforest Foundation Head of Fundraising Helen Brownstone said: &ldquo;Triathlons are the fastest growing multi-discipline sport in the UK, and it is not hard to see why. The London Triathlon is a great excuse to get fit, challenge yourself and also do your bit to fight climate change. If deforestation continues at the current rate there will be no more rainforests by 2050, and if we lose forests, we lose the fight against climate change. At the same time, the people who have always lived in and protected the forests are being robbed of their livelihoods and even their lives in the name of profit and progress.&rdquo;
RFUK has ten places left on its team for the London Triathlon, which takes place on 9th-10th August 2008 at the Excel Centre, London Docklands. There are three distances to choose from: the Super Sprint (swim 400m, bike 10km and run 2.5km), the Sprint (swim 750m, bike 20km and run 5km) and the Olympic (swim 1500m, bike 40km and run 10km).

If that sounds a little daunting then it is also possible to enter with friends or a work team and do the challenge as a relay.
The charity is recommending that participants get in touch as soon as possible as places are offered on a first come first served basis.
Although the official deadline for individual places has now closed the charity still have individual charity places available. To join the team participants need to raise &pound;500 as a minimum sponsorship. Meanwhile if anyone has their own place but would like to support RFUK and gain all the benefits of joining its Team RFUK they can get in touch for a sponsorship pack.

For more information email events@rainforestuk.com or  call Tamarin 020 7485 0193 or go to www.rainforestfoundationuk.org]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cycling across America in memory of their mothers]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_3211.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Best buddies and rugby team-mates Andrew Wyeth and Matt Dowse are undertaking a 3,000-mile bicycle ride across America in just 15 days this July, in memory of their mothers who both died of cancer. They hope to raise a massive &pound;100,000 for Leukaemia Research, The Royal Marsden Hospital and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

They will cross the US from coast to coast, through four different time zones, climbing over 100,000 feet and aiming to cycle 200-250 miles a day at an average of 20 miles an hour. Putting this challenge in perspective &ndash; during the Tour De France, professionals average around 120 miles in a day&rsquo;s stage. Starting in San Diego, the route will take Andrew and Matt through the deserts of California, over the Rockies, across the Great Plains, over the Appalachians, and finally to Atlantic City.

Andrew, a teacher, and Matt, who works in the City, are spending all their free time in training at the moment, cycling wherever and whenever they can. As the summer draws closer and the nights get longer, they hope to ride for 100 miles a day consecutively in preparation. Indeed, they should be used to spectacular challenges by now - they cycled the 1000-mile journey from Lands End to John O&rsquo;Groats in eight days during the summer of 2005.

Matt and Andrew&rsquo;s drive and determination is fuelled by personal tragedy. Matt&rsquo;s mum, Pippa Dowse, was diagnosed with cancer of the womb in 2002, which she thought she had defeated. &ldquo;Unfortunately, in 2004 a tumour was found on the outside of her colon which spread to her liver and kidneys,&rdquo; explains Matt. &ldquo;She eventually lost her battle against cancer in May 2005 aged 66, but the Royal Marsden Hospital in London provided not only a great deal of expertise, but also support and compassion during tough times.&ldquo;

Gwyneth Wyeth, Andrew&rsquo;s mum, suffered from myeloma, a particularly aggressive blood cancer, and passed away in December 2001, aged 68. Andrew explains, &ldquo;My mother sacrificed much, as most parents do, so that her children could grow up to enjoy their lives to the full. Leukaemia Research is a cause very close to my heart and I hope that by raising money, I can help future sufferers achieve a more successful outcome.&ldquo;  

Andrew, 40, coaches and Matt, 37, plays for National League 3 rugby team Rosslyn Park, which is based in South West London. Andrew played for Rosslyn Park when they were in the top flight of English rugby in the early 1990s. When an Achilles injury ended his rugby career in 2004, he took up triathlon and this training should be invaluable for the punishing challenge that lies ahead.

Andrew and Matt are in need of one or two additional riders who are capable of covering 200 miles a day at an average of approximately 20mph. If you think you are up to the challenge, please contact Henry Winter on 0207 269 9019 or hwinter@lrf.org.uk. 

To sponsor Andrew and Matt in their fundraising efforts, please visit their websites: www.justgiving.com/usacoast2coast2008 to donate to Leukaemia Research and www.justgiving.com/usac2c2008 to donate to the Royal Marsden.]]></description></item></channel></rss>