Kev’s triathlon challenge in tribute to hit-run victim
A MAN is taking on Southport Triathlon in memory of a four-year-old hit-andrun victim.
Kev Dunbar is taking on six fitness challenges in six months – starting with a marathon on New Year’s Eve followed by a second marathon on New Year’s Day.
The 39-year-old from St Helens will then take on the Greater Manchester marathon in April, the Southport Triathlon in May and a one-mile swim in Lake Windemere in June.
His epic efforts will all be in tribute to VioletGrace Youens, who died after she was hit by a stolen car in St Helens in March last year.
After her death, Violet saved two lives by organ donation and her parents, Glenn and Becky, have since campaigned to raise awareness of organ donation.
Kev’s fundraising, which has already surpassed his £500 target, will be split between two charities – Live Life Give Life Charity, which raises awareness of organ donation, and The IsabellaRose Foundation, which supports bereaved par- ents of babies.
He said: “Getting to know Glenn and Becky and hearing how they were coping with everything inspired me to do something to try and help.
“I’m really rubbish at swimming and terrified of the open water – it’s a bad combination for me and I’ve never backed up a marathon so it’s going to children and be hell.
“It’s hopefully going to raise some funds for the charities, which are much appreciated, and raise awareness because they are close to Glenn and Becky’s hearts and do such fantastic work.”
Glenn will also be joining Kev on June 3 to take part in the 82-mile cycle Roman Road Challenge and adding a further 18 miles by cycling to and from Violet’s Place at the beginning and end of the race.
Glenn said the St Helens-based IsabellaRose Foundation, set up to help people through the loss of stillborn babies, has made “a big difference” to the family in its support with a place which he said has turned into a place for “anyone dealing with the loss of a child or any kind of problem”.
He added: “Raising money for charity is bringing something positive out of something so negative.”
Hit-and-run driver Aidan McAteer was sentenced to nine years and four months in prison and banned from driving for 10 years, while his passenger, Dean Brennan, was jailed for six years and eight months and banned from the roads for nine years and four months.
McAteer admitted to causing the death of Violet-Grace by dangerous driving and also pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to her grandmother by driving dangerously.
Brennan pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle tak-