Hampshire Fire and Rescue firefighter’s gruelling 2020 challenge

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue firefighter from Portsmouth wanting to take part in his first 32-mile triathlon mistakenly signed up for an 80-mile challenge instead but has vowed to complete it.

Only when Scott Avery received the confirmation did he realise what he’d really signed up for, however not being one to shirk a challenge, he will take it on for a cause close to his heart.

The Castle to Coast race is the equivalent to half an Ironman and is more than double the distance Olympic athletes face.

The 24-year-old has since learned the importance of reading the small print and has decided fate would like him to endeavour on this personal challenge fresh from his return from Everest Base Camp with the rest of his team of intrepid firefighters.

The triathlon starts at Windsor Castle on 25 July with participants racing across the South Downs to the finishing line on the Brighton seafront.

When asked how he is going to prepare for the triathlon, Scott said: “I’ve got lots of miles to cover so I’ll be doing as much swimming, running, and cycling as I can in the lead up.

“The physical fitness that comes with being a firefighter is going to be a huge help to me to complete this race.

“I’m very lucky to have friends who are going to help me train and exercise along the way.”

The Hampshire Fire and Rescue firefighter – based in Southsea – aims to raise £1,000 for Hannah’s Appeal, a charity set up in 2004 by the family 10-year-old Hannah Westbrook who lost her battle with Hodgkin’s Disease.

The small but dedicated team provide the opportunity for children with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses to have a fun-filled family holiday at one of their luxurious homes.

Scott went to school with Hannah and her brother which is why he is supporting Hannah’s Appeal. The money Scott raises in her memory will see three deserving families given a much-needed holiday.

The challenge involves 1.2-miles of open water swimming, a 67-mile cycle and finishes with a 13.2-mile run.

The swim involves one lap of Eton Dorney Rowing Centre before a series of challenging climbs to the foot of Ditchling Beacon on his bike. Scott will then complete his mission by running down to the seafront in Brighton.

Donations can be made to Scott’s Virgin money giving page.