Foresters Friendly Society's Paul Sedwards Races to Become an 'Ironman'
17 June 2010
Oxford Branch member raising funds for Multiple
Sclerosis Charity
This will be Paul's first Ironman race, a challenge which
involves a 2.4 mile lake swim, 112 mile cycle and a full marathon,
which he aims to finish in 14 hours. The race, which will take
place on 25th July in Zurich, Switzerland, is
considered one of the most competitive Ironman contests in
Europe.
Paul Sedwards said: "When I
turned 40 last November I wanted to set myself some personal
challenges. I did my first Half Ironman last year and really
surprised myself with a time of 5 hours and 43 minutes. After that
I decided to push myself harder and set my sights on Switzerland.
It's been tough - I've lost three stone in the process!"
He will be supported on the track by 'Team Sedwards' including
his wife and children Valentina, (age 2) and Sonny, (age 12
months). The team have already prepared matching uniforms to order
support their racer. Paul has also received support from the
Foresters Friendly Society members from across the UK who have
already helped him get closer to his target sponsorship amount.
Paul Sedwards is the nephew of the Forester Friendly Society
patron, known as the High Chief Ranger, Jim Launchbury who
nominated the MS Society as the society's charity partner during
his term in office in 2010.
Jim Launchbury said: "As both
High Chief Ranger of Foresters Friendly Society and Paul's uncle
I'm very proud of him. Our members are committed to helping the
wider community through supporting charity fundraising and Paul's
epic journey will be an essential part of our charitable efforts
this year. It's not everybody with the determination and strength
to make it through the 140.6 miles! "
Paul Sedwards added: "The Switzerland
race is a World Qualifier for the World Ironman Championship which
take place in Hawaii. But in all honesty I'm just aiming to
finish."
To help Paul reach his £1000 target please click here.