A LOCAL businessman and his friends and supporters have raised more than £18,000 for the charity, Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).
James with supporters before the cycle challenge. AQ 6941James Coleman, the managing director at Creedy Carver Ltd of Upton Hellions near Crediton completed an Ironman 70.3 in memory of his Mum (Sue), and dear family friend, Bob Adams.
The event was centred on Lords Meadow Leisure Centre, Crediton Rugby Club and the roads around Crediton and took place on Saturday, July 6.
The event started with seven swimmers, who collectively achieved 1,000-2,000m then James alone achieved 2,000m (1.3 miles) by swimming 80 lengths of the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre pool.
The seven were joined by 13 others who then set off on bikes, 20 in total, with some achieving 28 miles and others (including James) totalling 56 miles.
Finally the run began just before 5pm with some 25 participants running either 5k or 10k and a group of five (including James) completing a half marathon (13.1 miles) with two more completing the half marathon earlier in the day and the day before.
The day ended with a barbecue and drinks - all very well deserved.
James said he was trying to raise as much money as possible for the charity, Motor Neurone Disease Association.
His mother Sue was the co-founder of Creedy Carver Ltd.
She was diagnosed with MND in 2014 and eventually lost her battle in 2016.
During that time, family friend Bob, was a great support to Sue and witnessed first-hand what she went through, only to be diagnosed himself within a year of Sue’s passing, sadly losing his own battle earlier this year.
Before the day James did a lot of training and had raised more than £6,600 for the charity.
He also took part in the London Marathon to raise funds towards his total.
He hopes to raise more and you can still donate on his justgiving page online by searching for his name.
The MND Association focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
If you or a loved one need practical or emotional support, call the MNDA Connect Helpline on 0808 802 6262, Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.