TWO men are taking on an epic triathlon challenge to raise funds for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) – in memory of their friend.
Both originally from Coventry, Trevor Court 37 an Aircraft Engineer from Burbage, and Dean Beauchamp, 35 a Police Officer from Bulkington, will be taking part in the Outlaw Nottingham Full Distance Triathlon Sunday 25 July, at the National Water Sports Centre.
The Ironman distance triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run and the duo are raising funds for the local air ambulance which attended their friend, Ryan Lee.
On 01 May 2007, Ryan was driving home from work in Leicester when he was involved a serious crash where he suffered severe and life threatening injuries.
The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance flew him to hospital within minutes, but his family and friends were told to prepare for the worst.
Ryan passed away in the hospital later the same day surrounded by many of his family and friends.
Trevor said: “He was only 23 years old.
“He was everyone’s mate and the life and soul of any occasion, he will never be forgotten.”
“It’s our third major event in Ryan’s memory to raise money and awareness of the vital air ambulance, they are a worthy charity and their interventions meant that Ryan’s loved ones could be there in his last moments.”
The duo have already smashed their fundraising target of £1,000, but hope to raise as much as possible for taking on such a tough challenge.
Trevor added: “We have only recently swum the full distance once; we haven’t ridden the full distance in one go before and we’ve never run a marathon.
The pair have been training for the last 16 months, 5-6 days a week, and have overcome the setbacks of the pandemic.
Dean said: “Swimming has been very difficult as neither of us have swum in open water before, and the pools were shut during the pandemic.
“But we’ve recently managed to get in the lake as the weather has warmed and we’ve grown in confidence.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/tri-for-ryan to donate.
