By Isle of Wight Observer
Former rugby team-mates, Sam Tyson and Kemp Price, are preparing to swim, cycle, and run 100 miles (161km) in one day, to raise money for Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
The endurance challenge will take place on Saturday, beginning with a two-mile (3.2km) sea swim from Sandown to Shanklin.
The pair will then take on a 70-mile (113km) cycle around the Island’s coastline, before finishing with a 28-mile (45km) run (following the Walk the Wight route), with an additional Newport loop to make up the official ultramarathon distance. They will finish at Freshwater Bay.
Sam said: “Anyone who’s done Walk the Wight knows it feels like far more than a marathon. The elevation alone is tough, even on fresh legs. Combining that with a full Island cycle and a sea swim is going to be a serious test of endurance.”
The pair are aiming to complete the challenge in 12 to 14 hours, and have increased their fund-raising target from £2,000 to £5,000 after strong early support.
Sam said they wanted to take on a challenge big enough to encourage people to support Mountbatten at a time when many charities are under financial pressure.
Kemp added: “My dad has recently had Mountbatten support him at home. Once that care touches your family, you realise just how important it is.”
Money raised will support Mountbatten’s end-of-life care and bereavement services, including care provided in people’s homes, its Newport inpatient unit and the John Cheverton Centre.
Beach Boys Water Sports will provide safety cover for the swim, while friends and family will support the pair throughout the day.
Members of the public are welcome to join sections of the cycle or run, although it is not a formal event and anyone taking part does so at their own risk.
Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter