Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Triathlon is in tribute to pal
Challenge for brain tumour charity
Losing his best friend has inspired a Coatbridge man to tackle a demanding challenge in a bid to help fund research into the disease.
Philip Wilson, 31, a buying manager for Tesco’s retail group, took on the London Triathlon 2017, in honour of his best pal Phil Blackmore and raised £2000 for the pioneering charity Brain Tumour Research in the process.
The iconic event, which is a highlight of London’s sporting calendar, attracts over 13,000 participants and 30,000 spectators to the capital each year.
His friend Phil, himself a keen sportsman, had successfully completed the event - the most popular triathlon in the world – on two separate occasions before he became ill.
The 31-year-old sadly passed away as a result of a brain tumour on New Year’s Eve 2016, following a short battle with the disease.
Philip, who now lives in London, was determined to continue his friend’s amazing sporting legacy.
And as part of the challenge, he embarked on an exhausting 750 metre swim, followed by a 20km cycle and culminating in a 5km run.
He said: “Phil was a really sporty and outgoing guy, so I thought I owed it to him to complete the challenge, even though I’m not a great long-distance swimmer.
“It’s a sad fact that brain tumours can affect anyone at any time but noone knows what causes them.
“I hope my efforts will help raise awareness of this awful disease and draw attention to the research that needs to be conducted to find a cure.”
Janice Wright , community fundraising manager for Brain Tumour Research, added: “Stories like Phil’s remind us that we cannot allow brain tumours to be a neglected cancer.
“We are extremely grateful to Philip for raising such vital funds to help us find a cure for this horrible disease.”
● To make a donation to the ongoing charity campaign, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/philipwilson15.
Stories like Phil’s remind us that we cannot allow brain tumours to be a neglected cancer. We are extremly grateful to Philip for raising vital funds to help us find a cure . . . Janice Wright of Brain Tumour Research