The challenge itself takes place on 11th September and will involve a 1.2 mile swim in Weymouth Bay, followed by a 56 mile cycle and a half marathon run of 13.1 milesThe Managing Director of Bristol based recruitment firm Kingston Barnes, is taking on the ultimate challenge to raise funds for Bristol Royal Hospital for Children – the Ironman 70.3. The gruelling event will see him swim, run and cycle over 70 miles across the Dorset countryside to reach the final fundraising amount needed for a new sensory room in the children’s play department.
James Kingston, who set up the business three years ago and has never competed in a triathlon before, is looking to raise £1,500 from the event and if achieved, will personally match it bringing the total to an impressive £3,000.
The challenge itself takes place on 11th September and will involve a 1.2 mile swim in Weymouth Bay, followed by a 56 mile cycle and a half marathon run of 13.1 miles. However, with a new business to run and family to look after, juggling training with a busy lifestyle has not been easy.
“One of the most challenging things has been balancing 12 hour work days, training sessions and spending time with my family. It’s been tough but if anything, I think the early starts have had a positive effect as I feel more energised throughout the day and on the weekends my son even comes with me on cycles and runs – we’ve become a healthier family as a result of it,” commented James.
He continued to say: “When you think about it, an Iron Man is a small challenge to face in light of what some of the kids have to go through every day. They are amazing and to see that amount of courage in people so young has really inspired me. In a way, I hope by completing this triathlon I’ll inspire other individuals and businesses to raise more money for Bristol’s hospitals.”
The Ironman is being completed as part of the recruitment company’s fundraising programme for its Charity of the Year, Above & Beyond, which raises funds for Bristol’s city centre hospitals. This is the second year the company has chosen to support the work of the local hospital charity. Speaking about why he chose this particular cause, Kingston said:
“It was important for us to partner with a local charity where you can see exactly where the money is going. In this day and age, there are so many charities where you don’t know how your fundraising can actually help people but with Above & Beyond, we were able to choose exactly which project we would like to support.”
If you would like to support James in his fundraising effort please visit – www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kingstonbarnes.
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