Intro:
A single working mother and international duathlete, I have been selected to represent GB in the 2025 European and World Championships. I seek help financially to enable me to realise my dream to go and compete.
Prior to the birth of my son in 2017 I competed professionally as an elite cyclist in the international peloton and in cyclocross at national level.
I continued to ride my bike until the day before I gave birth (and even pedalled up the Tour de France mountain ascents when I was six and a half months pregnant!).
Following my son's birth, I continued to cycle but stopped competing for a couple of years, instead dedicating myself to raising him.
During Covid Lockdowns I commenced running, pushing my son in a running buggy. Unbeknownst to me, my ex-cycling coach was tracking my runs and times, paying particular attention to Park Run results (once Park Runs were permitted to occur, following lockdowns). In autumn 2021 he contacted me, suggesting that I wasn’t ‘too bad at running’ and ‘might enjoy giving duathlons a go’!
With some encouragement from my coach and a brief period of structured training, I entered my first event in April 2022.
My duathlon journey thus far:
By November 2022 (the end of the season) I had competed in eight UK based duathlons, placing 1st lady in every event, and had been selected to represent GB in the 2023 European and World Championships – Sprint Distance and Standard Distance Duathlon events (focusing on the Sprint distance).
Due to a freak injury (complete rupture of one of the main tendons in my left foot) and subsequent major surgery required, I was unable to compete in either of the 2023 Championships and underwent a lengthy period of recuperation and rehabilitation.
I returned to competition in autumn 2023 and was again selected to represent GB for the European and World Championships in 2024. Unfortunately, because of ongoing, compensatory injuries and niggles I could not train to the standard that I consider necessary to perform on a global stage; I felt insufficiently prepared for the 2024 Championships and elected to withdraw.
Going forward -- my request for your help:
Having invested a huge amount of hope, energy, time, and financial outlay, I have once again qualified to represent GB for the European and World Championships, in 2025.
However, this comes at a cost and I cannot achieve it alone. To enable me to participate, I require financial support in several key areas and I would be hugely grateful for any assistance that you can give to cover the expenses that I will incur in realising my dream to compete in the 2025 Duathlon World Championships:
Areas of cost:
- Equipment (kit): running shoes, cycling shoes, triathlon suit, racing bike.
- Travel Expenses: Funds for airfare, accommodation, and ground transportation to attend races.
- Training Costs.
- Competition Fees: Entry fees for major duathlon events.
- Recovery and Medical: Assistance with physiotherapy and osteopathy to prevent further injury.
A final note:
Thank you for reading this. I would be incredibly grateful for any donations or sponsorship that you can give me to help me with my dream. Thank you so much in advance.