Police trio to make dreams come true

Date published: 26/06/2008

Officers from GMP are embarking on the challenge of a lifetime as they run, cycle and swim the length and breadth of the country during a sponsored seven-day triathlon.

On Thursday 3 July, 12 officers from GMP will cycle an astonishing 1,000 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End. They will then run a gruelling 400 miles from there to Dover, before they swim 21 miles across the English Channel. This marathon journey is all in order to raise money for children’s charity ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’.

A total of 18 officers, many from GMP’s Tactical Firearms Unit, will be involved in the triathlon and will be split into two teams of nine. Six members of each group will be the athletes, while three will act as their support.

The two teams will operate in a relay style format – one group will set off first and complete a 10 hour stint, while the second team goes on ahead to take over for the next 10 hours, once the first team have reached their destination.

The support team will be in charge of driving the athletes to each location and arranging their food and accommodation. They will also be responsible for ensuring the tri-athletes stay on track and cover enough ground to keep them on target to complete the triathlon in seven days.

Inspector Tony Hughes from the Tactical Firearms Unit said: “We are very excited about this event and have been planning it for the past 12 months, with all of the officers training intensively for more than six months.

“It is a real feat of endurance and one that is yet to be attempted by anyone before us, we will push ourselves to the limit both mentally and physically. Any donations that people would like to make to help us achieve our goal of raising £20k for charity would be greatly appreciated.”
The officers are raising money for the children’s charity ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’, whose primary aim is to grant the wishes of children with a life threatening or terminal illness. The charity endeavours to fulfil sick children’s most treasured wishes by making them a reality.

If you would like to sponsor the officers and help them achieve their goal of raising £20k, please visit www.justgiving.com/trichallenge where you can make a donation.