A MELKSHAM novice triathlete will next year attempt six ironman triathlons through six counties in six days to raise money for charity.
Across the six days, local man Matt Jenkins, joined by his two friends Rob Sutherland and Jon Lynch, will swim a total of 14.4 miles, cycle a total of 672 miles, and run a total of 157 miles.
Starting in Cornwall and finishing in Andover, where the Abel Foundation head office is located, the trio will also pass through Melksham on their way to the finish line.
Money raised from the ‘666 Ironman Challenge’ will go to the Abel Foundation, a charity that helps people living with Mitochondrial disease and their families – and a fundraising target has been set at £10,000.
About the challenge ahead, father-of-two Matt told Melksham News, “We’re just three average guys who want to give back. I agreed to the challenge straight away when I was told about it – but I didn’t really think about what it would mean. It’s going to be crazy!”
The trio will attempt the challenge in May 2021, and are currently looking for corporate sponsors to help fund the cost of the challenge.
They say, “We are aiming to make a considerable amount of money for this charity by pulling resources from our own network of families and places of work, however we need help with the logistics and actual running of the event; in aid of sponsorship we calculate approximately £3,500 to be used on the support crew, fuel, hotel rooms, bike spares and parts, food and drink plus incidentals.
“Please don’t think for one second we’re asking for the full amount from one sponsor (although that would be lovely) however if you are able to help with regards to promoting and helping us spread the word that would be fantastic.”
To contact Matt and the team about corporate sponsorship, email: the666challenge@outlook.com
To follow the trio’s progress, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook. com/666Ironmanchallenge
Picture: (l-r) The 666 team Rob Sutherland, Matt Jenkins and Jon Lynch.
