Raising Funds for Cystic Fibrosis
IRONMAN Lanzarote: Saturday, 12 May 2012:
Manx Tri Team Raising Funds for Cystic Fibrosis
This Saturday morning, at the IRONMAN Lanzarote headquarters, we met Olivia McNeill’s Grandmother, Barbara, a lady full of energy and love, who has come once again to Club La Santa, but this time for a special purpose: support the Manx Triathlon Team who will be doing the Ironman Lanzarote 2012, intending to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Research (for those who don’t know, Manx = from the Isle of Man).
Barbara McNeill came to tell us the story behind this, and to ensure that we include the flag of the Isle of Man at the Parade of Nations next Thursday evening to call more attention to this cause!
For the last few years, Steve, his brother Jonathan and some friends teamed up and participated in the Great Strides walk. However this year, they will take on, IRONMAN Lanzarote, upping the ante somewhat from a gentle family walk to a 3.8k swim, 180k bike ride and 42k run.
The idea of doing the Ironman in 2012 was initially conceived 10 years ago with 3 friends from University as a way to mark the end of their 4th decade, and it gives Steve great comfort (and joy!) knowing that they too will be standing nervously on the start line at 6:45 am in just 7 days time.
The race starts at 7:00 am GMT (2:00 am EST) and Steve hopes to finish in around 12 hours 7:00 pm GST (2:00 pm EST). Approximately 1 hour for the swim, 6 hours 30 mins biking and then 4 hours 30 mins for the marathon).... "but don’t hold to me that! If I shuffle across the finish at any time before the midnight cut off I’ll be happy" he says.
To make possible this ambitious goal, Isabelle and Steve with Olivia (6), Sophia, Cristina (3) and Hugo (6 months) moved to the Canary Islands in January. Olivia, Sophia and Cristina attend the local school and are thoroughly enjoying the Canarian life, they play and sing in Spanish with school friends around the house.
Their dream as a family is that a cure for CF will be available for their daughter Olivia before the degenerative nature of CF has had any profound effect. To this end, there have been numerous major advances in CF research in the last 12 months. The ultimate goal of a cure is getting closer and they are extremely grateful for all the support they get in helping them to realize their dream, for Olivia.
For more info on the team and the way to help Olivia, see www.ironmenseeoffcf.com
In the name of Barbara, as well as Steve, Isabelle, Olivia, Sophia, Cristina & Hugo:
Thank you so much for your generosity & support!
