On August 23rd, Newcastle university student, Tommy Ogden is taking on ‘The Geordieman’ Full Ironman Triathlon in Newcastle (a 3.8km swim, 180km bike, and 42.2km full marathon) to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Care. Tommy is am doing this in memory of his close friend who tragically died last year at just 20 years old, pushing through the daily pain of CF with incredible grit and never complaining. Tommy wants to do everything he can to support other families fighting this disease.
Tommy writes on his fundraising page:
I am looking at 12+ hours of blood, sweat, and tears. But there is a massive difference between my challenge and my friend’s: When I cross that finish line, I get to rest. For those living with CF, there is no finish line and there are no rest days.
I am 21 years old, nearly the same age as my friend when he sadly died. At this age, we should be looking at the future with nothing but excitement. But for someone with CF, the future is a shadow. Imagine knowing from childhood that you might not make it past 25. Imagine a “stark reminder” every single morning that your lungs and digestive system are fighting against you. It isn’t just the physical toll of 40+ pills a day and endless physiotherapy, it’s the mental and financial weight. It costs an average of £6,500 extra a year just to live with CF, a staggering burden for families already pushed to their limits.
I have been training harder than I ever thought possible for this race. When my legs scream and I want to quit at mile 20 of the run or have that lie-in, I’ll be thinking of my friends grit. He didn’t have the choice to stop; I do.
I am doing this for my friend, and for every family still fighting this relentless disease. Please, if you can, donate to help ease the burden whether it’s the price of a pint or a more significant gift, to help support more children and adults who suffer from this lifelong harsh disease to enable them to live a better life.
To support Tommy please
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