Kate Philp – taking on the Ironman challenge for Vitalise Churchtown

"Last summer I was out running with my dog, then a puppy. We collided as she bounced across my path, which resulted in a painful fractured ankle for me.

I’m a keen runner so whilst in plaster I kept myself amused chatting to people on the Runner's World internet forum (RW). I discovered a bunch of self-organised, fairly mad triathletes called The Pirates Ship of Fools. They firmly believe that anyone with dedication and determination can go from non-triathlete to full Ironman, usually in under a year’s time – not a light undertaking!

I concluded one lazy Sunday morning that this seemed quite feasible (I probably deduced that as a result of cabin fever due to my plastered ankle). Added to not being able to swim front crawl and not owning a bike, the fact I was still in plaster and far from rehabilitation seemed to be embracing the ideals of The Pirates head on. Oh, and I also have the chronic condition Ulcerative Colitis to add to the mix.

So, I entered Ironman Nice in support of Vitalise. On 22 June 2008 I shall be attempting to swim 2.4 miles, then cycle 112 miles, immediately followed by a full marathon!

My training has been eventful and usually involves falling off my bike into the horse and cow poo in rural Devon. But I can now swim the full distance and my bike training and running is going well!

It has involved hours of hard work but it’s all worth it. My advice is not to look at any big challenge as a whole, as in the beginning this will make it seem unachievable. See it as a jumble of jigsaw pieces and, slowly and methodically, put the pieces together one by one. You will be amazed by what you can achieve.”

Follow Kate’s full training story on the Runner’s World forum

Sponsor Kate here

More info on Ironman Nice

Update

Kate successfully completed Ironman Nice. Well done Kate and a big thank you from Vitalise!

Pippa Bellis dives into fundraising

Pippa Bellis had always dreamed of doing a parachute jump so when she realised she could jump AND raise money for Vitalise she was ready for the challenge.

Sponsorship isn't the only way to raise money for a jump and self-confessed ‘party animal’ Pippa organised a gig at her local church hall. A friend’s band offered to play and local businesses were persuaded to donate raffle, tombola and auction prizes. A fantastic night was had by all and plenty of money was raised for Vitalise, which meant Pippa could jump for free.

As Pippa has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair she chose a tandem parachute jump. She was strapped to her co-jumper as she is unable to bend her legs and needed help controlling them for the landing. After the initial incredible rush of freefalling from 12,000 feet, once the parachute opened it got more relaxing: “It was so peaceful, I could look around and see all the buildings and tiny fields below.”

Pippa raised over £3000 for Vitalise, a tremendous achievement. £1000 will go directly to Vitalise Sandpipers as Pippa has been a guest there herself.

Pippa said:
“Everyone was overwhelmed and thrilled that I had done the jump. I’m so glad I could raise money for Vitalise. Like a lot of disabled people, I associated a respite break with being institutionalised and Vitalise is not like that at all. I can’t wait to go back to Sandpipers”

Want to jump?

More information about jumping for Vitalise

Send us an online events enquiry or call our Events Team on 0845 345 1972